He was born in Nantes, and was intended for a commercial career.
Afterwards he traveled in America, China, and Italy, and finally became a pupil of Paul Delaroche in Paris.
The subjects of his works are largely drawn from the actors and incidents of the Reformation.
They include: "Charles Quint à Londres" ("Charles V in London," 1844), "Melanchthon, Pomeranus et Cruciger traduisant la Bible" ("Melanchthon, Pomeranus, and Cruciger translating the Bible," 1846).
He also did some drawings for Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigné's Vie de Luther.