In the year 1683 the Ottomans started their second attempt to conquer Vienna, the seat of the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the door to further conquest in Europe. It was a major effort with a huge army (170.000 men at the start of the campaign) - too much for the Emporer, who left the City before the Ottomans arrived. After an epic two months siege an allied relief army (Imperial and Polish troops) reached the outskirts of Vienna and in the final battle the Ottomans were decisively beaten and had to retreat the way they had come.
The moment depicted is the rout of the Ottoman army after the defeat in battle. A Polish winged hussar attacks two fleeing janissaries as a symbol of victory on one side and of total defeat and disorder on the other.
The diorama
The figures are all from Zvezda. Only minor modifications were necessary.
Photos (click to enlarge)
Video (Youtube)
Sources
John Stoye - Die Türken vor Wien
Simon Millar - Vienna 1683 (Osprey Campaign 191)
Richard Brezezinski - Polish armies 1569-1696 Part 1 (Osprey Men-at-Arms 184)
Richard Brezezinski - Polish armies 1569-1969 Part 2 (Osprey Men-at-Arms 188)
Richard Brezezinski - Polish winged hussar 1576 - 1775 (Osprey Warrior 94)
David Nicolle - Armies of the Ottoman Turks 1300-1774 (Osprey Men-at-Arms 140)
David Nicolle - The Janissaries (Osprey Warrior 58)
Absolutly superb!
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