Napoleons Adversaries

I drew these quickly while I was studying law… but I really like how they turned out and I think they make a good start for this year’s Napoleonic theme, since they are the national heroes of each respective country when it comes to fighting Napoleon. I will say a few words about each of them:

From left to right!

Archduke Charles (Austria)

The Austrian Generalissimus and military reformer was known to be a brilliant strategist, competent and conservative at the same time. He stressed the importance of caution and strategic points and often overestimated his enemies. He defeated the French army in several battles and managed to drive them out of Germany in 1796. He is most famous for defeating Napoleon at Aspern in 1809. The Duke of Wellington called him “the best of all allied commanders”.

By the way: People like to pick on Napoleon for being short… well Archduke Charles only measured 1,53m (5.0197ft) making him much shorter than Napoleon.

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (Britain) 

The British field marshal was also an excellent strategist and known for his skill to choose good defensive positions. Wellington defeated the French in several battles in Spain such as Salamanca and Vittoria. Most famous of course is his victory over Napoleon at the battle of Belle Alliance/Waterloo in 1815. After his highly successfully military career he went into politics and became British Prime Minister in 1828.

Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher (Prussia) 

The Prussian commander was known as „Marschall Vorwärts” for a reason – because “Forward!” was often the only thing he replied when asked about his next move. He was highly respected for his dynamism, courage and common sense and was very popular with his soldiers. He did not really have much respect for Napoleon - he outright hated him.  Blücher is most famous for his contribution to the allied victories at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 and the battle of Belle Alliance/Waterloo in 1815.

Michail Illarionowitsch Kutusow (Russia) 

The Russian Commander-in-chief was known for his wide military knowledge and cunningness. Contrary to other commanders of the time Kutusow was not fixated on defending geographical objects. After the bloody battle of Borodino in 1812 he realized that the Russian army would not survive another such defeat. Kutusow now brilliantly outmaneuvered Napoleon in a flank march and set up camp at Tarutino. From there he could threaten Napoleons communication line and left the French army at the mercy of the Russian Winter.