Alexander and Napoleon

This year there will be a lot of events focused on Napoleon's 1812 campaign to Russia.  The Museum of Decorative, Applied and Folk Art in Moscow had a one month exhibit this winter.

This exhibition, which opens on 15 February and runs for one month, takes a look at the relationship between the two emperors - Alexander I and Napoleon I. The relationship between Alexander and Napoleon - which combined friendship and enmity - was woven with paradox: a peace-loving Russian emperor who nevertheless initiated war with France, and the warlike Emperor of the French who constantly sought an alliance with Russia. 

I have a feeling this medallion would get more than a few second looks.  Napoleon clearly looks uncomfortable.  Even in this early portrait "imagined" by the artist it is clear that this friendship was not what anyone thought it might be.  I really like how the above quote captures their relationship so perfectly!