Alexandre-Auguste Robineau

Alexandre-Auguste Robineau, born April 23, 1747, in Paris where he died January 13, 1828, is a French painter and musician, Priest-Catholic.

Biography Son of the painter Charles-Jean Robineau, Alexandre-Auguste Robineau studied painting at his side, and for music, as a composer and violinist, under the direction of Pierre Gaviniès in 1754.

At the age of seven, he became a chorister at the Sainte-Chapelle, where he later took holy orders.

«Robineau was one of Gaviniès' best students»

He entered the clergy before leaving it.

From 1762 to 1767, he studied music mainly at the Conservatorio di Santa Maria di Loreto as a violin and composition student under Antonio Lolli, one of the most renowned Italian violinists and composers of the 18th century, master of the legendary Chevalier de Saint Georges. in Royal Collection, in 1787

In Italy (Naples), Robineau's success was overwhelming, to the point that he was given the nickname « Lollinelli ». He often appeared at the Concert Spirituel. in Musée Philharmonie de Paris, in 1783

After his recovery, Auguste returned to France. In Rome, Pope Clement XIV offered him an ecclesiastical career, but Auguste preferred to follow his passion for painting. After three years of intense work, he returned to Paris as a painter. His parents, worried about the combination of arts, encouraged him to accept a position in finance to ensure his stability. His attachment to his mother, whom he found widowed, pushed him to follow their wish.

A brilliant violinist, Robineau often played in the Concert Spirituel, one of the earliest public concert series, after his return to Paris at the end of (1767).

In 1772, he married Adélaïde Bertin de Bourdeilles, daughter of Henri Bertin.

« He was accused of having a second brother, Auguste, who was a painter, and Alexandre, who was a composer of sonatas »

Violin concertos for large orchestra dedicated to Jean-Jacques Bachelier.

He also contributed to "The Art of the Violin," a collection of the greatest artists of the 18th century by Jean-Baptiste Cartier.

His time with Daniel-Charles Trudaine:

Daniel-Charles Trudaine, who offered him a position at Ponts et Chaussées as well as a post as private secretary. Under the protection of Laurent Truguet, Auguste perfected his portrait skills, which would be very useful in his travels (England, Holland, Switzerland, Russia). In Musée Basque(France)

Then flew to Spain with Garat and Admiral Truguet.

He enjoyed a period of success when he went to Madrid, where, thanks to his connections with M. Truguet, the French Ambassador, he managed to gain attention at the Spanish Court.

« The painting 'Le Temps qui découvre la Vérité' is currently lost.»

Until his department was abolished, Denis Pierre Jean Papillon de La Ferté had granted him several leaves to go to England to take advantage of his talents. It was during one of these trips to London that he came into contact with the Prince of Wales, both as a musician and painter, notably to paint, at his request, the duel between the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Chevalier d'Éon at Carlton House. in Royal Collection

As the Prince sang French romances with infinite taste, he wanted Auguste to be constantly at Carlton House, either to accompany him on the piano or to hear him play the violin. in Royal Collection

The Prince of Wales said about him:« Auguste alone could make an opera, compose the music, conduct the orchestra and paint the decorations. . »

An innovative lighting effect that impressed even other artists.

Several portraits by contemporary artists, including one of Robineau himself.

Although he had wanted admission to be free, the cost of transportation and exhibition led to a paid admission fee. Robineau also planned to make additional portraits during the exhibition. The event was located near the Customs House and its opening was announced in the press."

"Robineau would have discovered his artistic gifts and would have recommended him as an artist of the future to the most influential members of the Society of Arts.

François Diday was then granted a travel grant to Italy (1824). In 1823 »

He died in 1828 in Paris.

Portrait de Robineau à la Royal Collection

Portrait de Robineau au British Muséum

alt=Portrait of the boxer Daniel Mendoza, head only facing to left, in three-quarter profile in an oval; after Robineau. 1789 Etching and stipple Portrait of the boxer Daniel Mendoza, head only facing to left, in three-quarter profile in an oval; after Robineau. 1789 Etching and stipple