Gravina, Finisterre, and the British comparison

Napoleon described Gravina as possessing genius and decision in combat and argued that those qualities could have turned Cape Finisterre into a French victory. Villeneuve lost only two ships there, but the outcome still failed to produce the strategic success Napoleon needed. A contest between Gravina and Robert Calder is judged roughly even. Against Nelson, Collingwood, Cornwallis, or Pellew, however, Gravina would have faced commanders formed by a deeper Royal Navy culture of active service. Alexander Inglis Cochrane is the one possible closer match because his qualities as an admiral draw more reservations. The comparison recognizes Gravina's ability while keeping the institutional disparity between the Allied and British commands in view.