Armand Joseph Bruat, a sailor born in Colmar in 1796, founded in 1843 the town of Papeete, today the capital of French Polynesia. Having become an admiral, he died in 1855. His wife was entrusted with raising the children of the imperial family. Two lines suffice for the monument, two titles and no date: the admiral, and his wife styled “amirale”, governess to the children of France. Not a word about Tahiti.
The story
In 1843, when the French protectorate over Tahiti was set up, a naval officer founded a town. It is called Papeete, and it is today the capital of French Polynesia.
Born at Colmar in 1796, Armand Joseph Bruat had entered the navy young and rose to admiral. He died of cholera in 1856, and his widow was then made Governess of the Children of France: the schooling of the imperial family's children was her charge.
On the monument in Division 27, sculpted by Hippolyte Maindron, the inscription runs to two lines, two titles and no dates: “Amiral BRUAT.” and “Amirale BRUAT, gouvernante des enfants de France.” The feminine form turns the husband's rank into a name for the wife, common usage in the nineteenth century — but it also grants her an office of her own. Two careers on one stone, and nothing of Tahiti.
The grave
A monument by the sculptor Hippolyte Maindron, whose inscription is remarkably brief: two lines, two titles, no date — “Amiral BRUAT.” and “Amirale BRUAT, governess to the children of France.” The wording feminises the husband's rank to designate the wife, a common usage in the nineteenth century, and grants her a title of her own: the charge of educating the children of the imperial family. Nothing of Papeete, nothing of Tahiti.
On site, do not miss
Two lines, two titles, no date: “Amiral BRUAT. Amirale BRUAT, governess to the children of France.” The monument is by the sculptor Hippolyte Maindron.
Visitors' questions
Where is Admiral Bruat's grave?
In Division 27, chemin du Dragon, first row, beneath a monument by the sculptor Hippolyte Maindron. The inscription runs to two lines: “Amiral BRUAT” and “Amirale BRUAT, gouvernante des enfants de France” — governess to the Children of France.
Gaston TissandierDid he found Papeete?
He did, in 1843, when the French protectorate over Tahiti was established. The town he founded is today the capital of French Polynesia. He was a naval officer at the time, before becoming an admiral.
François-André BaudinWho was the “amirale Bruat”?
His wife, appointed governess to the Children of France: she was responsible for the education of the children of the imperial family. The inscription carves her title beside his — two careers on the same stone.
Daniel CordierHow did he die?
Of cholera, on 19 November 1855, at sea, aboard the ship bringing him home from the Crimea. He had been made Admiral of France two months earlier, on 15 September. His funeral was held at Les Invalides.
Étienne de NansoutyAudio guide to Père Lachaise: the best unusual guided tour!
Discover the secrets of the most astonishing tombs
the audio guidefrom€6.99