One of the most famous battle painters of France. He studied under P. Delaroche in Paris. Initially he painted portraits, history paintings and allegories. In 1843 went to Russia, where he sent to Paris the pencil drawings, which enjoyed success with the French public, thanks to the realistic display of them in the Russian way of life. Has received wide popularity by a series of large compositions on historical themes. In 1850 by order of Emperor Nicholas II wrote the painting "the battle of Kulikovo" (located in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow). During the Crimean war, he was instructed to go to a war zone to perpetuate on the canvas of their main episodes. Thus, in 1857 – 1859 wrote three huge works depicting heroic moments of the struggle for the possession of Malachowski mound (located in historic Versailles gallery). Later returned to painting portraits and allegories. From 1859 his name is on the list of honorary free members of the St. Petersburg Academy of arts.
