Charles Le Brun, February 24, 1619 (baptism)–February 12, 1690, was a French painter born in Paris. He studied with François Perrier and Simon Vouet and worked in Rome with Nicolas Poussin from 1642–1646.

He helped establish the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1648, directed the Gobelins manufactory, and became First Painter to Louis XIV. His work included history paintings, portraits, and decorative schemes for Vaux-le-Vicomte, the Louvre, and Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors.

After Colbert died in 1683, royal patronage increasingly favored Pierre Mignard. Le Brun continued painting until his death in Paris. His pupils included Charles de La Fosse, Jean Jouvenet, and René-Antoine Houasse. Major holdings of his work are at the Louvre and Versailles; paintings are also held by the Hermitage and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Download All Images