Perpignan Notable Figures
King James II of Majorca (Jaume II de Mallorca)
James II of Majorca was the ruler of the Kingdom of Majorca, which included Perpignan, from 1276 to 1311. He is particularly notable for making Perpignan the capital of his kingdom, and he oversaw the construction of one of the city’s most important landmarks, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a symbol of the city's political and cultural significance during his reign.
Jean-Baptiste de La Salle
Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, though not a native of Perpignan, had a lasting impact on the city's educational system through his establishment of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (the De La Salle Brothers). This religious order focused on providing education to poor children and became important in the development of modern educational practices.
François Arago
François Arago is one of Perpignan’s most celebrated historical figures. A distinguished scientist, he made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, mathematics and physics particularly in the study of the speed of light and electromagnetism. He was also a prominent political figure in France, serving as a minister during the Second Republic and advocated for the abolition of slavery in French colonies in 1848.
Pierre Simon de Laplace
Although Laplace was not born in Perpignan, his scientific achievements are closely linked to the city's scientific heritage due to his collaboration with François Arago. He was one of the most influential mathematicians and astronomers of the Enlightenment, famous for his work on celestial mechanics and the development of the Laplace Transform, which is crucial in modern engineering and physics.
Hyacinthe Rigaud
Hyacinthe Rigaud, born in Perpignan, was a prominent Baroque portrait painter who gained renown in the French court. He is most famous for his portraits of King Louis XIV, which helped to cement the Sun King’s image of power and grandeur. Rigaud’s work is celebrated for its realism and attention to detail and he painted numerous other members of European royalty and nobility. The city’s Musée d’Art Hyacinthe Rigaud is named after him and houses a significant collection of his works as well as other art from the region.
Louis Bausil
Louis Bausil was a Perpignan-born poet and journalist, known for promoting Catalan identity and culture. He wrote extensively in French and Catalan contributing to the literary life of the region. Bausil was also a key figure in the founding of the newspaper La Cloche, which played a central role in the intellectual and political life of Perpignan during the early 20th century.
Louis Torcatis
Louis Torcatis was a leader of the French Resistance in the Pyrénées-Orientales region during World War II. He played a critical role in the fight against the Nazi occupation and was a symbol of local resistance efforts. His work as a teacher and political activist made him a respected figure both during and after the war.
Jean Bourrat
Jean Bourrat was an influential politician and socialist activist in Perpignan. He served as a local leader and advocated for social justice, labour rights, and improved living conditions for the working class. His progressive ideas helped shape the political landscape of the city in the early 20th century.