Not sure what this is, I am guessing a puzzle? I found it in an old book.
It's an artistic study/puzzle, created (in this case), to conmemorate or represent some historical situation. I saw the solution on a Chess learning app. It's pure magic!!! you really should try to solve it. As I remember all are forced moves, and 1 optional move that comes to an early mate, that represent some decision of Napoleon during the retreat that only delays the inevitable end.
Not sure what this is, I am guessing a puzzle? I found it in an old book.