Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2017.

Portrait of Charles-François-Paul Le Normant de Tournehem

Artist Louis Tocqué (French, 1696 - 1772)

Dateca. 1750-52

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions54 1/4 x 41 3/4 in. (137.8 x 106 cm)
Overall, Frame: 65 1/2 x 52 1/2 in. (166.4 x 133.4 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob John Gurdus

Object number71.2097

Terms

Portrait
Man
Brown
White
Gold
Blue
Baroque

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

On view

DescriptionThis oil on canvas painting is a popular portrait of Le Normant de Tournehem; at least four replicas were made (it is uncertain if this is the prototype). He is pointing to an architectural design on the table, where there is also a bronze statuette of Minerva, who inspires and guides his work.

Label TextLouis Tocqué French, 1696–1772 Portrait of Charles-François-Paul Le Normant de Tournehem, ca. 1750–52 Oil on canvas Lavishly attired in a gold-embroidered coat of apricot velvet, Le Normant de Tournehem is presented in his official role as director-general of royal buildings during the reign of King Louis XV. As such, he stands at the pinnacle of the French art establishment. As is typical of this period, art and love go hand in hand, and Le Normant’s power had to do with both. He was granted his artistic duties after his ward (possibly his daughter), the young Madame de Pompadour, became Louis XV’s mistress. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob John Gurdus and Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2097