Nicolas Tournier

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that in all his paintings during his lifetime, Nicolas Tournier displayed a grace and style that makes him one of the most notable painters during his time and in the Caravaggesque tradition. The writer notes that not much is known about Tournier's life, apart from what his paintings depict about him. The writer also points out that even Tourneir's birth and death dates have been obscured by the mists of time and that some of his paintings are only recently rightfully attributed to him. The writer concludes that Tournier is most remembered for the unusual atmosphere and depiction of character in his paintings.

From the Paper:

"According to the Musee des Augustins, Tournier came from a family of Besancon artists in Montbeliard. This was a Lutheran enclave, where Tournier received his first instruction from his father, Andre. The senior Tournier was a painter in the Northern Mannerist style. From here, Tournier left to complete his training, as is commonly believed, in Rome and Languedoc. The first years, from 1610 to 1618, were spent in Languedoc, while Tournier resided in Rome from 1619 to 1626. This is a fairly obscure time in Tournier's career, as little is left of this period."
"Tournier's work during his time in Rome is said to revolve mostly around copying assignments of compositions by Bartolomeo Manfredi. Manfredi is an important influence on Tournier's work, as he, like Tournier later, was a main artist in the Caravaggesque tradition."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Artnet. "Artist's Biographies: Nicolas Tournier". 2007. http://www.artnet.com/library/08/0858/T085862.asp
• Encyclopaedia Britannica. "French culture in the 17th century". 2007. http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-40368/France
• Musee des Augustins. "Nicolas Tournier". 2007. http://www.augustins.org/en/exposition/trn/formation/accueil.htm

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