It was no secret in the French Court: the favoured wine of Napoleon Bonaparte was Le Chambertin… one of the greatest of Burgundies. His residence was filled with cases of the wine (it’s good to be Emperor!). 
His love of the wine was legendary. Even during his military campaigns, his baggage train contained a handsome supply of his precious Burgundy. Now in Russia, he confronts the Army of Tsar Alexander, led by Marshal Kutuzov… and on September 7, 1812 he meets his adversary at Borodino, 125km in front of Moscow.
Not widely known; but careful research reveals that Napoleon had run out of Chambertin in mid-August. He had sent a dispatch back to France alerting the Domain that additional wine was needed. Napoleon has oft been criticized by military historians for the simplicity of his attack in that battle. Some say he was suffering a fever.
But those who know… know otherwise.
The painting depicts and anxious Napoleon on Borodino’s Heights, not faced to the Battle, not viewing the fight raging at the Rayevski Redoubt to the East; but rather turned to the rear. Here you see a despondent & disinterested Napoleon, leg upon a campaign drum, with his General Staff looking to the West, with the hope that the next supply wagon from France would bear cases of Chambertin.