A Russian Mobile Forge 1815

Johann Christoph Erhard's "A Russian Mobile Forge," created in 1815, depicts a scene of military logistics during the Napoleonic Wars. The etching shows Russian soldiers, likely engineers, tending to a mobile forge, a wagon pulled by horses and equipped for blacksmithing work. The detail of the tools and the presence of a soldier on horseback suggests the importance of maintaining equipment during active military campaigns. The artwork offers a glimpse into the logistical challenges of the era, highlighting the essential role of blacksmiths in supporting military operations.