Antonio Malet

Antoine de Malet (in Spanish, Antonio Malet), Marquis of Coupigny (1761–1825) was a French-born Spanish military officer.

Early career Having obtained Spanish nationality, Coupigny joined the Spanish Royal Guard as a cadet in 1776 and was promoted to alférez that same year. In 1780 he was promoted to alférez of Grenadiers.

In 1808 the Junta Suprema promoted Coupigny to field marshal and lieutenant general. Given the command of the 2nd Division of the Army of Andalusia, under General Castaños, Coupigny's troops, some 7,300 foot soldiers and 500 horse, made up the vanguard of the Spanish forces at the decisive Battle of Bailén.

He fought at Tudela (November 1808) and Belchite (June 1809), being promoted to commander of the Royal Guard that same year.

In 1811 he commanded the 4th Army at La Albuera and, when Lapeña was relieved of command following the battle, Coupigny was given command of the Army of Andalusia.

In 1812, Coupigny was appointed captain general of the Balearic Islands.

Post-war career Following the 1817 pronunciamento by generals Milans del Bosch and Luis de Lacy, Coupigny ordered Lacy's execution, which led to him having to abandon Mallorca and his post, in 1820, when the revolt led by Rafael del Riego forced King Ferdinand VII to restore the 1812 Constitution, bringing about the Trienio Liberal.