Mediterranean Port At Sunset. Charles-françois Lacroix From Marseille And Workshop

18th century period, dated 1764 (on a barrel) Oil on parquet oak panel Louis XVI period frame in gilded wood decorated with pearls and water leaves. Dimensions with frame: 62 x 82 cm. The panel alone: 52 x 74 cm With this animated port scene, which no element allows to locate, the painter is part of the tradition of the landscapes painted during the Grand Tour, resorting to his imagination alone. At sunset, figures in the foreground, still on a quay at the edge of the water with rocks, figures; fishermen, sailors at work, men dressed in Turkish clothes, smoking a long pipe. An imposing ship at anchor, fortified ramparts with a tower and steep cliffs complete this composition where the sky occupies part of the space. The painter pays particular attention to the representation of atmospheric effects, depicting skies tinged with orange mist or illuminated by the emergence of a ray of sunlight. Here, pink and bluish clouds accompany the soft light of the sunset, to give a romantic vein to the whole. Charles-François Lacroix of Marseille became famous in the 18th century through his seascapes, inspired by the work of his master Claude Joseph Vernet. So few biographical elements remain about Charles-François Grenier de Lacroix, this French painter, who would have lived between 1700 and 1782, became famous in the 18th century through canvases perpetuating the tradition of seascapes initiated by his master, Claude-Joseph Vernet. A prolonged stay in Marseille earned him the nickname of Lacroix de Marseille, although his career was dotted with travels between France and Italy. From this brilliant artist, today remain seascapes in which characters evolve, lit by the soft glow of daybreak or the glowing shades of a setting sun. Related works: “Porto, Mediterrâneo” Lot N° 209 Painting Oil/canvas 53 x 76 cm Estimate: €15,000 - €20,000 18/12/2019 Leiloeira São Domingos Porto, Portugal Reproduced on page 31 of the catalog ---- ---------------------------------------------- Lot No. 277 Painting Oil/copper 23.8 x 39.8 cm Hammer price: €94,530 (£80,000) Price with fees: €118,163 (£100,000) Estimate: €94,530 - €141,795 (£80,000 - £120,000 ) Old Master Paintings and Sculpture 04/12/2019 Christie's London, United Kingdom Very good original condition Sold with descriptive invoice & certificate of expertise