[1] It depicts the Battle of Smolensk fought on 17 August 1812 during the French Invasion of Russia.

[2] In the process French artillery bombardments left Smolensk, particularly the Old City, in flames.

[3] The painting shows the burning city straddling the River Dnieper in the background.

In the foreground are Napoleon and the Polish commander Józef Poniatowski.

[4] The painting was commissioned by Louis Philippe I to hang in the Galerie des Batailles in the refurbished Palace of Versailles.