Early Life and Training
Charles Le Brun, a renowned French painter, art theorist, interior decorator, and director of several art schools, was born on February 24, 1619, in Paris. At the age of eleven, he was placed in the studio of
SIMON VOUET by Chancellor Séguier, where he received his initial training. He also studied under
FRANÇOIS PERRIER.
Rise to Prominence
Le Brun's talent was recognized at a young age, and he received commissions from Cardinal Richelieu at fifteen. In 1642, he traveled to Rome, where he worked under the influence of
NICOLAS POUSSIN for four years. Upon his return to Paris in 1646, Le Brun found numerous patrons, including Superintendent Fouquet, for whom he painted a large portrait of Anne of Austria.
Artistic Contributions and Legacy
Le Brun's style became more personal as he moved away from the ancient masters that influenced him. He dedicated a series of works to the history of
Alexander The Great, making a stronger connection between the magnificence of Alexander and that of King Louis XIV. Le Brun's decoration is not only a work of art but also the definitive monument of a reign.
Notable Works:
Museums and Collections
Le Brun's works can be found in various museums, including the
École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts Paris, which was founded by him as the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1648. The school is now a public establishment under the Ministry of Culture.
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