This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder illustrates a T-34 of the Soviet Army from Ivan Konev's First Ukranian Front as they near the outskirts of Berlin in April 1945. This Limited Edition Canvas Print includes a fragment of brass shell casing from a T-34-85 from the First Ukranian Front near Berlin.

Artist, Craig Tinder, "Konev's Approach to Berlin" limited edition prints with T-34-85 Soviet Tank relic


Details About the RELIC:

Recovered just south of Berlin between Baruth and Zossen, Germany, this relic fragment was removed from an 85mm spent shell casing from a Soviet T-34-85. This shell was likely fired from one of Konev's 40 Soviet tanks of the 1st Ukrainian Front that fought its way through Germany's 9th Army on its way to the Berlin Reichstag in the spring of 1945.

Soviet T-34 85mm brass shell casing fragment

 

Internal view of Soviet T-34 fragment

 

Closer view of Soviet T-34 fragment

 

Soviet T-34 relic fragment mounted on canvas art piece


The Story Behind the Print:

On 22 April 1945, Soviet T-34 tanks of the 1st Ukrainian Front, under the command of Marshal Ivan Konev, reached the southern outskirts of Berlin, closing in on the city’s defenses. Konev’s forces were part of the final Soviet push to capture the German capital, with orders from Stalin to take Berlin as quickly as possible. Stalin intended the city’s fall to coincide with Lenin’s birthday, marking a symbolic end to the war. However, despite their rapid advance, Soviet forces were still locked in fierce fighting on the periphery of Berlin, battling German defenders to cross critical defensive lines.

Soviet T-34 tanks enter the outskirts of Berlin - 1945


The 1st Ukrainian Front was one of the most formidable Soviet armies in this final phase of the war. Having already played a decisive role in smashing through the German 9th Army’s defenses, Konev’s troops aimed to encircle Berlin from the south, complementing the northern advance by Marshal Zhukov’s 1st Belorussian Front. By the end of the day on 22 April, Soviet forces had breached the Teltow Canal, penetrating Berlin’s inner defenses and bringing the war ever closer to the streets of the city.

Soviet troops catch a ride on T-34 tank


Although Stalin's plan for Berlin to fall on Lenin's birthday was not fully realized, the progress made by Konev’s forces on this day marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. The fight for Berlin would continue for several more days, with Soviet troops encircling the capital from multiple directions, leading to the final collapse of German resistance in the city. The fall of Berlin would officially bring the war in Europe to a close, but the significance of 22 April remains a testament to the relentless Soviet drive to victory.

Soviet T-34 tank on the 


Learn more about the Engineering and Combat Comparison of the T-34 vs Tiger Tank. Click Here

To purchase or see similar items, visit here.

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

Latest Stories

View all

The Legendary King Tiger Tank, The Story Behind "Panzer Ace"

The Legendary King Tiger Tank, The Story Behind "Panzer Ace"

November 1944 - Kurt Knispel, commanding a King Tiger Tank (Black 334) of the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion, entered Budapest, Hungary, as part of Germany’s desperate effort to hold the city against the encircling Red Army. Armed with the powerful 88mm cannon, the King Tiger was crucial in countering Soviet forces aiming to seize control of the Danube River. Knispel, credited with nearly 200 tank kills, was renowned for his tactical brilliance and long-range precision. Despite his unmatched achievements, his independent nature and rejection of political ideology kept him from receiving Germany’s highest military honor. Though the battle ended in retreat, Knispel’s skill and courage left a lasting mark in armored warfare.

Read more

Ira Kepford and the Story of the Jolly Rogers - "Fighting 17"

Ira Kepford and the Story of the Jolly Rogers - "Fighting 17"

On February 19, 1944, Ira "Ike" Kepford of VF-17 downed a Japanese Rufe fighter near Cape Siar, marking the start of a harrowing solo battle against 20 enemy Zekes that tested his skill and resolve. Despite overwhelming odds, Kepford returned victorious, adding three kills to his tally and cementing his place as one of the Pacific's most daring aces.

Read more

TADLUR and the Story behind "Through Danger Let Us Ride"

TADLUR and the Story behind "Through Danger Let Us Ride"

19 August 1943 - B-17F 41-29595 TADLUR (Through Danger Let Us Ride), piloted by Lt. A.L. Nelson with Bombardier Lt. Thomas F. Morris, flew with the 20th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Group, on Mission 57 to Foggia, Italy. The crew carried out a precise and highly effective bombing run on the transformer station and marshalling yards, a critical target for disrupting enemy logistics. On the return flight, the 20th Bomb Squadron, endured a ferocious attack from Luftwaffe fighters, with TADLUR shooting down two aircraft and likely destroying a third. Despite sustaining damage and heavy losses within the formation, TADLUR successfully navigated the onslaught and returned safely to base.

Read more