Another unit completed for the 1812 Retreat from Moscow project that Ray and I have been steadily working through – and this one might just be my favourite so far. Introducing a grim and determined band of Moscow Opolchenie, citizen-soldiers armed with pikes, trudging through the snow to defend their homeland. This unit really captures the ragged determination of Russia’s last-ditch defense during the 1812 campaign. These militia were not professional troops, but rather volunteers and conscripts – tradesmen, peasants, and townsfolk – hastily organized to bolster the Russian resistance as Napoleon’s Grande Armée advanced.
What makes this unit stand out visually is their distinctive brown kaftan-style uniform. These long, belted coats were practical for the Russian winter, and many were lined or trimmed with fur, which I tried to reflect in the painting. The uniform was often accompanied by tall fur hats, giving the figures a consistent and iconic silhouette. I've kept the palette earthy and subdued – lots of rich browns, muted reds for the sashes, and dark fur tones. It’s a look that screams “militia,” but also carries a real sense of rugged unity. The basework ties it all together: snow effects and tufts poking through the frozen ground, along with a scenic backdrop that places them firmly in the brutal Russian winter.
Their weapons are just as evocative – long wooden pikes, some tipped with iron or even re-purposed bayonets. While pikes were largely obsolete by 1812, they still had their uses for militias. Cheap and easy to produce, they allowed these citizen-soldiers to form a semblance of defense, especially against cavalry or to harass stragglers during the retreat. I've painted the pikes to look weather-worn and practical, rather than polished – these were tools of desperation, not parade-ground arms.
The Moscow Opolchenie were intended to support the Russian army in a more defensive, auxiliary capacity – manning garrisons, guarding supply lines, and reinforcing the flanks when needed. But during the chaos of the French retreat from Moscow, even troops like these found themselves swept up in the wider conflict. They were often deployed alongside Cossack raiders or local partisans, harassing the retreating French, capturing isolated units, and cutting off supply routes.
Their morale was often bolstered by fierce patriotism and the presence of religious icons – which I’ve echoed in the unit’s banner, featuring a traditional Orthodox image. One of the most striking elements of this Moscow Opolchenie unit is the religious banner they carry – a vivid reminder of how deeply intertwined faith and patriotism were in the Russian resistance during 1812. For many Opolchenie units, especially those raised in and around Moscow, banners were not standard military flags. Instead, they were often deeply personal and spiritual symbols, featuring Orthodox Christian icons, saints, or the Virgin Mary. These images weren’t just decorative – they were believed to provide divine protection and moral guidance, especially for irregular troops who lacked the discipline and structure of the regular army.
In the case of the Moscow Opolchenie, many units carried banners bearing the image of Saint Nicholas, Our Lady of Kazan, or Christ Pantocrator, all revered figures in Russian Orthodoxy. In practice, these banners were often made by local communities or churches, sometimes even embroidered by hand, and then blessed before being carried into the field. This gave them deep emotional resonance for the men under them – they weren’t just fighting for Tsar and country, but for their families, faith, and the sanctity of their homeland.
This unit was a joy to work on – a little different from the polished parade of line infantry, but full of character and narrative. It really adds that layer of atmosphere and grit to the project, and I’m looking forward to seeing them on the table.
