File:The Imperial Embrace on the raft (NAPOLEON 141).jpeg

After the French defeated the Russians at the Battle of Friedland, a city on the River Niemen in western Russia, a series of meetings were held between Napoleon and Tsar Alexander. The two emperors met on a sturdy raft topped by a magnificent pavilion moored in the middle of the river. Frederick William III of Prussia was present at the second meeting. The result of the meetings was the Treaty of Tilsit, which secured a Franco-Russian alliance, reduced the size of Prussia by half, and made other rearrangements in the political landscape. More significant was a simultaneous secret treaty that called for Russia to support France in peace negotiations with Britain, and France to support Russia in peace negotiations with Turkey.

In the drawing, we see Napoleon and Alexander embracing on the raft constructed for their meetings. Napoleon wears a huge bicorne, and seizes Alexander so aggressively he knocks the crown from his head. His expression is menacing, which belies his claim of fraternal affection. The tsar appears justifiably frightened and notes that his side of the raft is sinking fast. Frederick of Prussia has slipped into the water and tries to save his crown, which is floating away. He notes that he was a “Prussian cake” (slang for fool) to believe Napoleon. On each side of the raft we see barges filled with troops from both sides, and the hills in the background are covered with tents.
George attributes the drawing to Williams.

• Subjects (LCSH): Political cartoons; History--Caricatures & cartoons; Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821; Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815; Alexander I, Emperor of Russia, 1777-1825; Frederick William III, King of Prussia, 1770-1840