1790-1842

French Naval officer and Explorer

Jules-Sébastien-César Dumont d'Urville spent a great deal of his life on voyages of discovery for France. He is perhaps best known for his explorations near Antarctica, some performed in competition with the American vessel commanded by Charles Wilkes (1798-1877). He was also responsible for the French purchase of the statue known as the Venus de Milo and made several voyages of discovery to the southern Pacific.

Dumont d'Urville was born in rural France and by the age of 17 had entered the French Navy. He showed early talent, graduating at the top of his class and learning several languages as well as showing a talent in some of the sciences.

After several years of serving as an officer with French expeditions to the Black Sea...