- Maréchal Pélissier, Duc de Malakoff
- B.M.479
- 19th century
- French
Length: 65.4 cm
Width: 54.6 cm
Length: Frame 85 cm
Width: Frame 75 cm
Aimable Pélissier was one of Napoléon III's Marshalls. He had a long military career which took him to Spain, Greece and Algeria. He was made a Duke by the Emperor in 1856, became vice-president of the Sénat and an ambassador in London. He finally ended his bright career as general governor of Algeria, where he died in 1864. He is represented here with his medals, amongst which is the Légion d'honneur.
Pélissier's character has been well captured by the painter; he was said to hide a benevolent nature and a sensitive heart behind a rough appearance and caustic humour.