later prince d'Essling
born May 6, 1758, Nice, France
died April 4, 1817, Paris
French general.
Entering the military in 1775, he served in the Revolutionary government's army and rose to general in 1793. In campaigns against the Austrians in Italy, he became Napoleon 's most trusted officer; he then commanded the French army in Switzerland, defeating the Russians at Zürich (1799). Sent by Napoleon to restore the demoralized army of Italy, he successfully defended Genoa against Austrian besiegers and enabled the French victory at the Battle of Wagram (1809), and Napoleon made him prince d'Essling (1810). In command of the French forces in Portugal and Spain (1810–11), he was defeated by the British under the duke of {{link=Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, 1st duke of">Wellington . Masséna was relieved of his command and returned to Paris, where he supported the restoration of the monarchy.