GARNERAY, Louis Ambroise. - Vue de Rouen.

An extremely rare silk print of this "Vue de Rouen" by Garneray, a trial silk proof of which fewer than 50 copies were printed. This view differs from the two views of Rouen published in the collection "Views of the Coasts of France in the Ocean and the Mediterranean."

View of Rouen taken from the Île de la Croix, drawn and engraved in aquatint by Louis Ambroise Garneray. In the background, we can see the famous pontoon bridge, built in 1626. This bridge, which was initially intended to be temporary, remained in use until 1829, and was finally destroyed in 1836. It consisted of 19 wooden boats securely held in place by piles built in the Seine.

Ambroise Louis Garneray, born on February 19, 1783 in Paris where he died on September 11, 1857, was a French privateer, marine painter, draftsman, engraver and writer, a precursor of the maritime adventure novel. He lived an adventurous life with Surcouf and Dutertre, and was held prisoner by the British for eight years. Upon his return to his country, he was appointed Grand Admiral of France and, in 1833, became director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen.