Early in the morning on the 26th of August (7th of September) Napoleon and his suite arrived to Shevardino redoubt where was his command post.

Before the battle commenced the famous order was proclaimed to the Army:
"Soldiers! This is the battle you were so awaiting. The victory depends on you… Let the descendants to honorably remember your exploits of this day. Let they say about each of you - he was in great battle of Moskova!"

The result of the battle was indecisive. Neither one nor another army considered itself defeated. And if the Russian army left the battle field it was assumed in Kutuzov's plans. But what the French were lucking to become the winners? If we look at Vereschagin canvas we understand - the army was lucking its leader. Distributed over the huge territory at the distance from Napoleon the Army did not see its Emperor. Napoleon sits, his suite is behind him observing the battle field, then the Guard; the magnificent figures, the golden embroidery of the uniforms, epaulets, crossbelts, white buckskin breeches and plums create the impression of parade but the bloody battle. Napoleon spent here the entire day. He was not looking like the commander in a general battle. The indecision was everywhere and it was killing everything. When reinforcements were requested he either refused or said that it was not a time for them. When any motion against the enemy had been asked he did not give the answer immediately and the moment was lost. He was canceling his orders. The Marshals were totally despaired. In Austerlitz he said " I will fit for war six years more and then I will have to stop". In 1812 Napoleon was 43. The limit was over. During the battle Napoleon felt unwell and it prevented him to demonstrate his talents that the army was lucking.