A Second Napoleon

Boucher was a violinist who won the favor of Charles IV of Spain and ended up appointed as the king’s special violinist. He also had an unusual advantage: he strongly resembled Napoleon I.

While traveling in Russia, he caught the attention of Emperor Alexander. The Czar summoned him and produced a French uniform: a three-cornered hat, a sword, a colonel’s uniform from the Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard—and the cross of the Legion of Honor.

“Now,” said Alexander, “this uniform once belonged to Emperor Napoleon. It was captured during the Moscow campaign. I’ve noticed your likeness to him, and I want you to put it on. Then I will present you to my mother, who has often wished to see Napoleon.”

Boucher dressed as instructed and was led to the Empress’s apartments. Alexander assured her she was looking at a perfect double of the great Corsican.