Eduard Paul d'Eloi - Capitaine Pirate de Marseille
Eduard Paul d'Eloi - Capitaine Pirate de Marseille
The painting to the left shows a romanticized portrait of the pirate captain Eduard d'Eloi, scourge of the high seas of Southern France. He is often characterized by his effeminate appearance, somewhat smaller build, and the two scars that cross on the left side of his face. As with any outlaw of even little notoriety, a wide range of tales and rumor bespeak his name. Unremarkably, the French government depicts d'Eloi as a cruel and savage man who cares only for treasure and blood-letting for sport. However, the poor often whisper of him as France's Robin Hood, a courageous knave who steals from the lords and gives back to the peasantry! ... Unless, of course, a commoner is robbed. Then such notions are quickly recanted as the victim assures the constables that it was indeed the pirate captain d'Eloi who stole his prize sow.
