“A painter who became a general” sounds like the start of an unlikely fairy tale. Yet, here on Rue Général Cartaux, we remember Jean-François Carteaux. He was indeed a painter who rose to become a general during the French Revolution.
Rue Général Cartaux carries the name of a man who experienced a swift rise and fall. Carteaux’s early life was steeped in art. He even painted a portrait of King Louis XVI on horseback.
The French Revolution changed everything. Carteaux embraced the new principles. He became an aide-de-camp. Soon, he commanded a division in the Army of the Alps. Carteaux showed restraint in Marseille during unrest.
Carteaux’s biggest moment came during the siege of Toulon in 1793. He led the Revolutionary forces. A young Napoleon Bonaparte served as his artillery commander. History remembers that Napoleon’s talents quickly overshadowed Carteaux’s leadership. Carteaux wife even sided with Napoleon. She told her husband that the young man knew more than he did.
Napoleon advised capturing a headland. This would allow French guns to dominate the harbor. Carteaux gave Napoleon enough space to make his name. The British and Spanish were forced to evacuate.
Despite the victory Carteaux was soon replaced. General Dugommier took over. Carteaux was transferred to the Army of Italy. Later, he commanded forces on the Normandy coast.
Interestingly, Carteaux’s story didn’t end on the battlefield. Napoleon later appointed him administrator of the national lottery. He also served as administrator of Piombino.
Carteaux retired in 1810. He continued to receive a pension from the Emperor. Even in retirement, Carteaux never fully abandoned painting. This street, Rue Général Cartaux, serves as a reminder. It honors a man of many talents. He was a painter, a general and a lottery administrator. He lived through extraordinary times. He played a small but memorable role in French history.