Focus on Rose of Freycinet

Discover the incredible story of Rose de Freycinet, who defied prohibitions and secretly embarked with her husband on a scientific expedition, leaving a precious testimony of her life on board and marking the history of maritime explorations of the 19th century.

Born September 29, 1794, Rose Marie Pinon married Louis Claude de Freycinet on June 6, 1814. The latter planned to lead a scientific expedition which aimed, among other things, to demonstrate the exact shape of the terrestrial globe. A true wish to escape or dedication to her role as a wife, Rose wants to accompany her husband on this trip which is initially only supposed to last 18 months. Women are prohibited on board state ships, but no matter, she cross-dresses and will keep her identity secret until passing the Strait of Gibraltar. This revelation of course caused a lot of noise but King Louis XVIII tolerated this failure.

The Uranie, the boat on which Rose and her husband embarked, left Toulon on September 17, 1817.

Despite the difficulties of the journey for Rose who suffers from cold and hunger, her presence on board will prove essential for posterity because throughout her journey, she will be keen to occupy her days and for this will complete a journal which will provide an innovative and unique point of view on the scientific expeditions of the 19th century. A good designer, her legacy will also be iconographic, representing for example certain new species of animals.

Rose returned to Le Havre on November 13, 1820, more than 3 years after her departure, aboard La Physicienne, the Uranie having been shipwreck on February 14 of that same year!

The expedition itself will be a great success and will provide new scientific knowledge. As soon as she returns, she is sought after in all social salons to share her exceptional experience. Her adventure strikes people's minds as she has stepped out of her role and functions as a 19th century woman.

Rose died of cholera on May 7, 1832 in Paris. She leaves her name to different geographical points, a dove and 2 plants. Her diary remains a reference today, being one of the only accounts of the life of a woman aboard a 19th century expeditionary ship. **

Source: article “Rose de Freycinet” Corine Babeix in collaboration with Yolande Le Gallo

Illustration: Rose and Louis in Dili by Jacques Arago