On June 4, 2009 Austria issued a stamp commemorating the battle of Aspern-Essiling. The Stamp is based on a painting of Johann Peter Kraft and was completed circa 1809.

The Battle

In the Battle, the Austrians under Archduke Charles of Austria drove back Napoleon as he and his forces attempted to cross the Danube near Vienna. This was the first time that Napoleon had been personally defeated in over 10 years.

Casualties were high on both sides with Napoleon losing one of his best commanders and friends, Marshal Jean Lannes, who was wounded by an Austrian cannon ball.

The Artist

Painted by Johann Peter Krafft (Sept. 1780 - Oct. 1856). Krafft was born in Hanau and began his study of art at the age of ten. He studied under Heinrich Füger, Jacques-Louis David and François Gérard. In 1828 he became director of the Imperial and Royal Picture Gallery. He died at the age of 76.

The Stamp

Issued: June 4, 2009
Perforated: 14x14
300,000 Issued.
Issued as a mini sheet of 1 stamp
Printed by: Offset by Austrian State Printing

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Aspern-Essling
http://www.wnsstamps.ch/en/stamps/AT027.09
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Peter_Krafft
http://www.post.at/eshop/philatelieshop/detail.php?prod=209200