Robert Levrac-Tournieres 1667-1752

Pupil of Lucas de la Haye of the Carmelite order and of Bon Boulogne and of Hacynthe Rigaud.

He was admitted to the Académie as a portraitist in 1702 and as a history painter in 1716, appointed assistant professor in 1725 and exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1704 and 178. He exhibited under the names Tourniers and Tournières.

His very smooth technique, particularly on wood panels, gave enamel effects and tones through transparency. A talented physiognomist and painter, Tournières enjoyed an outstanding reputation during his lifetime.

Highly sought-after in his day, he portrayed the Regent, chancellors and many political figures, and left over two hundred portraits. His paintings can be found in many French museums: Paris: Le Louvre, Musée des Arts-Décoratifs, Comédie-Française, Aix, Caen, Angers, as well as in Moscow and New York.