The portrait of Menouvrier de Fresne (1783-1848)

The Philhellenism Museum proudly exhibits from its permanent collections the portrait of the French Philhellene Admiral Félicité Louis Urbain Menouvrier de Fresne (1783–1848).

This prominent French officer served in the French expeditionary force of the Moreas (Peloponnese), that arrived in Greece in August 1828. His actions are linked to numerous military operations, most notably the Battle of Rio (also known as the Siege of the Morea Castle), which was the last Ottoman stronghold in the Peloponnese. The battles lasted for four days and resulted in a victory for the French forces.

The then captain, Menouvrier de Fresne, led the unit that first invaded the castle and raised the French flag himself, sealing the complete success of the French expedition. For the bravery and peerless courage he demonstrated during the battle, he was decorated by France and subsequently by Greece with the Order of the Redeemer, which he is depicted wearing on his chest in the portrait preserved at the Philhellenism Museum.

During his presence in Greece, Menouvrier de Fresne rendered invaluable services in combating the piracy that was plaguing the Aegean and the Mediterranean at the time.

Serving as a commander on principal warships of the era, his interventions to rescue civilians from the atrocities of the Ottoman fleet are documented as well.

He passed away in Lorient at the age of 64.

 

Also depicted:

– The battle plan for the capture of the Rio fortress (Castle of the Morea).

– The surrender of the Castle of the Morea to the French General Nicolas Joseph Maison (1771-1840), head of the French expeditionary force.

 

For information: info@phmus.org