Charles-François LACROIX, known as LACROIX de MARSEILLE Marseille (?), circa 1700 - Berlin, 1782 Couple of Fishermen at the Foot of the Temple of Vesta, Tivoli and Family of Fishermen at the Foot of a Bridge Pair of round oil on copper paintings Diameter: 15.5 cm Fishing couple and fishing family, pair of oils on coppers, by Lacroix de Marseille Diameter: 6.10 in. Comment: Working with Joseph Vernet in Rome, Lacroix de Marseille was known there under the name of Della Croce in 1754, but seems to have arrived there earlier, since the Marquis de Marigny, accompanied by Soufflot and Cochin, mentions having met him in 1750. This period of training in the Eternal City was undoubtedly difficult since, not benefiting from the facilities granted by the Académie de France in Rome, Lacroix had to sell his works in order to live and continue his training. The artist does not seem to have returned to France before the 1770s. These two small tondi painted on copper are a vibrant tribute to the Italy the painter loved, with their direct allusions to ancient architecture. These scenes of fishing, tinged with shades of pink, recall the southern light at the end of the day.