Cossack's returning from the field of battle, or, a valentine for Boney

Cossack soldiers triumphantly arrive on horseback and carry the Eagles, medals, helmets, and flags taken from the French army. The soldiers ride easily through the snow, appearing quite comfortable with the Russian winter. The group of Cossacks are led by a soldier with outstretched arms who carries tattered French flags that proclaim the defeated army to be an "Invincible Legion." In his left hand, he holds three golden Eagle standards; around his neck he wears three medals of the Legion of Honor, and three sabers are attached to his belt. Behind him, his fellow Cossacks are similarly decorated with French Eagles, flags and medals. One Cossack (center r.) even carries a cocked hat--resembling the one worn by Napoleon--on the top of an Eagle standard. A young boy joins the celebrating soldiers. He wears a fur-lined robe that identifies him with the Platoff family, and in jest he has also (somewhat gruesomely) placed a French helmet on his head, and hung a saber at his side. On the left side of the image, figures emerge from Count Platoff's family tents. In the foreground three women wearing fur-lined robes come out to greet the soldiers. One of these women, identified by George as Platoff's daughter, has tried on the coat of a French officer and comments on the flimsy gold braid that decorates the epaulette. The two women to her right gesture toward the girl, and to the Cossack who kneels to display the loot he has taken in battle. Behind this group, two other women emerge from their tents to greet the soldiers. The print is in good condition. However, the lower left corner of the sheet has been torn off. Cossack soldiers triumphantly arrive on horseback and carry the Eagles, medals, helmets, and flags taken from the French army. The soldiers ride easily through the snow, appearing quite comfortable with the Russian winter. The group of Cossacks are led by a soldier with outstretched arms who carries tattered French flags that proclaim the defeated army to be an "Invincible Legion." In his left hand, he holds three golden Eagle standards; around his neck he wears three medals of the Legion of Honor, and three sabers are attached to his belt. Behind him, his fellow Cossacks are similarly decorated with French Eagles, flags and medals. One Cossack (center r.) even carries a cocked hat--resembling the one worn by Napoleon--on the top of an Eagle standard. A young boy joins the celebrating soldiers. He wears a fur-lined robe that identifies him with the Platoff family, and in jest he has also (somewhat gruesomely) placed a French helmet on his head, and hung a saber at his side. On the left side of the image, figures emerge from Count Platoff's family tents. In the foreground three women wearing fur-lined robes come out to greet the soldiers. One of these women, identified by George as Platoff's daughter, has tried on the coat of a French officer and comments on the flimsy gold braid that decorates the epaulette. The two women to her right gesture toward the girl, and to the Cossack who kneels to display the loot he has taken in battle. Behind this group, two other women emerge from their tents to greet the soldiers. The print is in good condition. However, the lower left corner of the sheet has been torn off. Published by Knight. As George suggests, see also BM 12011, 'Regent Valentine,' a satire that adds an additional dimension to this image. See also BM 11994. According to George, ' A legend was current that Count Platoff, helmet of the Cossacks, who was pursuing the French army, had offered his daughter and a dowry of 200,000 rubles to whomever would bring him Napoleon's head.' With this anecdote in mind the Cossacks appear less brave than savage--the spoils of war they carry are transformed into bids for the Count's daughter. Thus, according to this caricature, the fight they engage in is not as much for love of country as it is for a trophy bride and her considerable dowry. 1803-02-14 Caption: Pubd Feby 14th 1813 by S, Knight No 3 Sweetings Alley Royal Exche Dialogue: Young girl, in front of second tent: "Here they come Mother loaded with Honor." Platoff's daughter: "This is like themselves nothing more than tinsel!" Cossack on horseback: "Here we are my Dears you shall all belong to the Legion of Honor." Annotation: THI.53 [?] Annotation: 20 Collector's Mark: A Verse: "Say's Humanity Poet, your pen take & write, And to Boney a Valentine I will indite, It's done! and a volunteer Job. Instead of your Eagles may some bold Cossack! By a fortune blow lay you flat on your back, And present to Miss Platoff your Nob."