Charles Le Brun French artist and art theorist Date of Birth: 24.02.1619 Country: France

1. Early Life and Training
2. Roman Sojourn and Return
3. Political Intrigues and Patronage
4. Cultural Patronage under Louis XIV
5. The "Style of Louis XIV"
6. Royal Commissions and Honors
7. Decline and Death

Early Life and Training

Charles Le Brun, a French artist and art theorist, was born in Paris. At the age of eleven, under the patronage of Pierre Séguier, the future Chancellor of France, he became an apprentice to Simon Vouet. By the time he was fifteen, Le Brun was executing commissions for Cardinal Richelieu and was noticed by the renowned master Nicolas Poussin. In 1642, he accompanied Poussin to Rome.

Roman Sojourn and Return

Through a scholarship from Séguier, Le Brun studied in Rome for four years under Poussin's guidance. Upon his return to Paris, he gained new influential patrons, including the superintendent of finance, Nicolas Fouquet. For Fouquet, he painted the portrait of Anne of Austria. Later, he entered the service of Cardinal Mazarin.

Political Intrigues and Patronage

While working at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Le Brun became entangled in the political intrigues of Mazarin, who manipulated the rivalry between Fouquet and Colbert. After Fouquet's downfall, Le Brun skillfully navigated the political waters, earning the respect of the victorious Colbert.

Cultural Patronage under Louis XIV

Colbert took charge of numerous artistic institutions and manufactories, cementing the cultural influence of Louis XIV. Le Brun, as his protégé, played a central role in shaping this era. He established the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1648, the Gobelins Manufactory in 1660, and the French Academy in Rome, which still operates today.

The "Style of Louis XIV"

By directing both the Academy and industrial workshops, Le Brun had a profound impact on the taste and outlook of an entire generation of artists, becoming a pivotal figure in the "style of Louis XIV." The king himself admired and supported Le Brun's art, especially after the triumphal celebrations of 1660 and the completion of the interiors of Vaux-le-Vicomte in 1661.

Royal Commissions and Honors

In 1661, Louis XIV commissioned from Le Brun a series of paintings on the history of Alexander the Great. The first painting earned him a knighthood, the title of "First Painter to the King" (Premier Peintre du Roi), and a lifetime pension. From 1662 onwards, Le Brun was in control of all artistic commissions for the court. He personally decorated the halls of the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre, as well as the interiors of the Château de Saint-Germain and Versailles (the Hall of War and the Hall of Peace).

Decline and Death

With the fall of Colbert, the Marquis de Louvois attempted to remove Le Brun from his position at court, despite the king's wishes. The Academy, however, remained loyal to Le Brun and re-elected him. However, the court intrigues took their toll on his health, and he died in 1690, leaving the decorations of Versailles unfinished.