Battle of Borodino

In 2002, I visited the Borodino Panorama Museum, just outside Moscow. It houses Franz Roubaud's monumental 1912 circular canvas — a 360-degree immersion in the 1812 Battle of Borodino surrounds visitors with a single decisive day.

My great-great-great grandfather fought in this battle. (Chapter 2 of the Kovno Legacy)

The Battle of Borodino Panorama Museum, Moscow

The Battle of Borodino Panorama Museum, Moscow

French Infantry Running into position

French Infantry Running into position

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Evokes the violent confusion of the battle fought on 7 September 1812

Evokes the violent confusion of the battle fought on 7 September 1812

French-allied heavy cavalry as shown by their blue saddlecloths, brass helmets, and yellow-gold armor, locked in close combat amid trampled grain, fallen soldiers, and charging squadrons

French-allied heavy cavalry as shown by their blue saddlecloths, brass helmets, and yellow-gold armor, locked in close combat amid trampled grain, fallen soldiers, and charging squadrons

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The infantry in the foreground are Russian. Their dark green coats, red facings, white crossbelts, and tall shakos are characteristic of Russian Imperial infantry

The infantry in the foreground are Russian. Their dark green coats, red facings, white crossbelts, and tall shakos are characteristic of Russian Imperial infantry

There were 70-80,000 casualties on that day.

There were 70-80,000 casualties on that day.

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Mandela