2-489-617 - © Fine Art Images/Heritage Images

Crossing the Berezina River, Russia, 27 November 1812 (1844). Scene from Napoleon's epic retreat from Russia. Napoleon had expected to find the river frozen, but a thaw had melted the ice, making the building of pontoon bridges necessary. In addition, the crossing was heavily defended by the Russians, with further reinforcements closing in. The French eventually forced the crossing after fierce fighting, but suffered disastrous casualties of between 30,000 and 40,000. Many of these were killed in the stampede to get onto the bridges, drowned in the freezing water, or stragglers massacred by rampaging Cossack cavalry. Found in the collection of the State Hermitage, St Petersburg.