Both sides had their moment of rejoicing in the fighting for Przemysl, though in the end the Central Powers came out ahead in this instance. Przemysl remained in Austrian hands throughout the rest of the war, though after the Armistice, the city became part of the newly formed state of Poland. But because there was a distinct Russian as well as an Austrian victory, there is a considerable amount of contemporary illustrative material to be found showing both points of view. Much as on the Western Front, few if any photographs of actual combat were taken during the sieges of Przemysl. News editors compensated by commissioning illustrations that could be suitably produced according to wish.
Many photos seem to show a fascination with the terrible destruction caused by heavy artillery fire.
Just as in Belgium, there are photos showing German and Austrian soldiers proudly posing amid the rubble of the Przemysl forts, as if they were climbers out for a scramble amongst the local Alps. Conversely to the seeming utter destruction of the fortifications, the city itself appears to have come through the two sieges relatively undamaged, or such at least is the impression one has from the photographs of both Russians and Austrians during their subsequent entries and victory celebrations in Przemysl. As with almost all siege operations during the Great War, it was obvious, even to non-military observors at the time, that in the face of a determined assault backed with heavy artillery, fortified areas and fortresses were more likely to succumb than to hold out for long periods of time, if even that. It is therefore somewhat mystifying that in the post-war period, French strategians placed their trust in yet another series of extensive fortifications. Here is a link to a small site showing several present-day scenes.