Ambroise Louis Garneray was born in Paris, France in 1783. Ambroise was the son of Jean Francoise Garneray (at one time a student of Jacques-Louis David). Most of the Garneray family were artists but Ambroise persuaded his parents to let him go to sea at age thirteen. Ambroise was taken prisoner on the French vessel 'Belle Poule' in 1806, and not given the privilege of parole. He was sent to the prison hulk, 'Prothee' in Portsmouth Harbor. In 1812, Ambroise was allowed to live ashore in a parole area from which he painted a series of views of prison hulks and shipping in Portsmouth Harbour. Released from prison in 1814, Ambroise returned to France and had a successful career as a marine artist. He became director of the Museum ...