Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, vicomte de Barras
Date of Birth
June 30, 1755
Date of Death
January 29, 1829
About
A Provençal nobleman and former army officer, Barras sat in the Convention and served as a representative on mission. He played a leading part in the overthrow of Robespierre and was later placed in command of the forces defending the Convention during the royalist rising of 13 Vendémiaire, with Bonaparte serving under him. Appointed one of the five Directors in 1795, Barras remained in office until the Directory was overthrown in 1799. He supported Bonaparte’s appointment to command the Army of Italy, but was pressed to resign during the coup of 18 Brumaire.