N & E
Napoléon & Empire

Robert Surcouf (1773-1827)

Knight of the Légion d'honneur

Arms of Robert Surcouf (1773-1827)

Robert Surcouf was born at Saint-Malo, Brittany, on December 12, 1773, into a family of sailors.

He became a famous shipowner and privateer.

He died of cancer on July 8, 1827 in Saint-Servan (suburbs of Saint-Malo) and was buried  Tomb of Robert Surcouf in Rocabey Cemetery at Saint-Malo.

"Robert Surcouf, Shipowner". Nineteenth Century French school.

"Robert Surcouf, Shipowner". Nineteenth Century French school.

A bronze statue honors his memory at Saint-Malo  Statue of Robert Surcouf, by A. Caravaniez.


In 1951, the French Postal Service released a 12.00 Franc stamp bearing the image of Robert Surcouf  Stamp bearing the image of Robert Surcouf.

Other portraits

Robert Surcouf (1773-1827)
 Agrandir
"Robert Surcouf in 1796". Anonymous painter, late Eighteenth Century.
Robert Surcouf (1773-1827)
 Agrandir
"Robert Surcouf". Nineteenth Century engraving.
Robert Surcouf (1773-1827)
 Agrandir
"Robert Surcouf". Nineteenth Century engraving.