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Frédéric-Christophe, Comte d'Houdetot (16 May 1778 – 20 January 1859) was a French politician, member of theChamber of Peers, and artist.
He was born inParis. He was the son of GeneralCésar Louis d'Houdetot [fr], and his first wife, Louise Perrinet de Faugnes, who died in 1781 at the age of twenty-three. His father was serving overseas, so he was raised by his grandmother,Sophie d'Houdetot, known for her brief affair withRousseau. He was conscripted in 1798, and spent some time as acannoneer. After his service, he found himself attracted to art; frequenting the workshops ofJean-Baptiste Regnault andJacques-Louis David.
In 1806, he was appointed an auditor at theConseil d'État. After theBattle of Jena, he was named head of the Prussian tax administration inBerlin. His return to France was followed by a series of appointments; notably asPrefect ofEscaut (1809), and Prefect ofDyle (1813).
Back in Paris, after French troops had evacuatedBrussels, he indulged his interest in painting. He was again appointed Prefect, in 1815, this time ofLoiret, but refused to accept the position. Later, he accepted a temporary position as Prefect ofCalvados. There, he managed to protect the citizens against the demands of the Prussians, who occupied the department and threatened to send him to Germany. He was also challenged by anUltra-royalist faction. Eventually, he was appointed to theMinistry of the Interior.
In 1819, he was named aPeer of France. He continued to work as an artist and, in 1841, was elected to theAcadémie des Beaux-Arts, where he became the second person to occupy Seat #9 in the "Unattached" section. In 1849, he was chosen to represent Calvados in the legislature. Two years later, he was a supporter of the coup that turned President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte into EmperorNapoléon III.
Media related toFrédéric-Christophe d'Houdetot at Wikimedia Commons
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