His work witnesses to the French Navy of his time, particularly the Ponant (western) fleet.

There he was talent-spotted by Bigot de la Mothe, who had him draw plans for coastal gun batteries.

In 1751, Rouillé employed him to produce ship designs then engravings of Louis XIV's trip to Havre in 1749.

He was admitted as an assistant-member of the Académie de Marine and in 1757 made a naval artist at the Palace of Versailles.

In 1762 he was given a role in the military geographers' department and at this time was also put in charge of educating the Dauphin's children in naval matters, contributing to the future Louis XVI's interest in the sea.