Description:

War of 1812
[England], ca. 1812-1813
Extremely Rare "Conflagration of Moscow" Propaganda Handkerchief, ca. 1812-1813
Textile
An extremely rare propaganda handkerchief based on an original aquatint/etching by Italian printmaker Giovanni (John) Vendramini (1769-1839), "Conflagration of Moscow seen from the Kremlin on the entrance of the French Army the 14th of Septr. 1812 which caused their disastrous flight" (1812). The plate-printed cotton handkerchief in two colors, red and black, is of unknown English manufacture, ca. 1812-1813. The handkerchief has been lightly stitched to a supportive muslin backing. Expected gentle and light wear including stiff folds and isolated minor stains. Pencil-inscribed verso on the muslin mount. Else near fine. The actual size of the handkerchief is 23" x 20.75" while the overall size of the mounted handkerchief is 24" x 21.5." Currently folded.

Italian-born London-based printmaker Giovanni Vendramini witnessed the burning of Moscow firsthand in September 1812, and later created his original aquatint/etching of the same title; in fact, both the original print and its offshoot, the handkerchief, explicitly state that the artist has depicted "The View taken on the spot." (Please see the attached image of Vendramini's original print included just for reference.) The top panel of the handkerchief reproduces Vendramini's original aquatint/etching, showing various city landmarks, including Saint Basil's Cathedral ("The Church of Saint Basil"); Ivan the Great Bell Tower ("The Belfry of Saint Ivans"); the Spasskaya Tower ("Spaska Varota or Holy Gate"); and the Moskva River ("River Moscow"). Below this panel is an 8-part key or explanation of landmarks, flanked by "A Cossack" on the left and "British Lanciers" on the right.

French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's victory at the Battle of Borodino in early September 1812 paved his way to Moscow as part of his planned invasion of Russia. The exact causes of the Moscow Conflagration are still debated, but most historians conclude that it was started by a series of deliberately set small fires intended to deprive approaching French forces of food, supplies, and shelter. The fire raged uncontrollably between September 14-18, 1812, worsened by unusually strong winds. At its height, the conflagration was reportedly visible up to 130 miles away. Approximately 70% of residential buildings and about 40% of the churches in the city were destroyed. Napoleon's hungry, sickly, and frightened troops fled the fire-ravaged city a month later, in mid-October 1812.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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    Dimensions:
  • overall: 24" x 21.5"
  • Artist Name:
  • War of 1812
  • Medium:
  • Textile

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August 7, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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