BiographyFrancois Thomas Louis Francia (referred to as Louis Francia or L Francia) was born in Calais, France in 1772. His penchant for art was recognised at an early age and was encouraged. He worked with William Bernard Cooke (artist, engraver and publisher) in England during the early 19th century. As well as being an artist in his own right he is recognised for teaching seascapes and the use of watercolours to English artist Richard Parkes Bonington (1802-1828). Francia died in 1839. His son, Alexandre-Thomas, was also an artist.