This is another of the Hinchliffe Personality Figures (PF 17), Prince Jozef Poniatowski. He rose to fame as one of Napoleon's best commanders, leading the Polish contingent of the French army. He was made Minister for War by Napoleon and was a notable commander during the 1812 invasion of Russia, where he commanded the largely Polish 5th Corps. He was made a marshal of the empire by Napoleon.
At the battle of Leipzig in 1813, Poniatowski was charged with holding the the rearguard as the defeated French army attempted to withdraw over the Elster river. Poniatowski and his men fought bravely during which time the Prince was severely wounded while leading several counter attacks. Unfortunately the Elster bridge was demolished early and the rear guard was trapped on the enemy banks. In the confusion as his men attempted to cross the river, the weakened Prince was thrown from his horse and was lost under the water. His body was found five days later.
Another lovely casting from Hinchliffe:
Another very nicely painted figure - pity he wasn’t modelled with water-wings!
ReplyDeleteIn his case, not sure water wings would have helped, maybe for his horse?
DeletePoor old Poniatowski, only a marshal for three days! But you gotta love those Hinchliffe figures,
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob, yes he had a rough time, although determined to fight off the Russians.
DeleteThat is an absolutely terrific figure Bob!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wellington Man. It was lovely painting such a colourful figure. In contrast my next one will be a rather drab Prussian!
DeleteEven nicer!
ReplyDelete