Early Life and Training Born: July 10, 1759, in Saint-Hubert, Belgium Family of Artists: His father and grandfather were painters; his elder brother was a scenery designer. Early Career: Left home at age 13 to work as an itinerant painter, creating interior decorations, portraits, and religious commissions. Move to Paris (1782): Joined his brother in painting scenery for theaters in Paris. Botanical Illustration and Patronage Meeting Botanists: Met Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle and René Desfontaines, who introduced him to botanical illustration. Mentorship…