Le Brun Charles

Le Brun, Charles (1619-90), French painter, was born at Paris, and at the age of 15 attracted the notice of Poussin by his work. The two went to Rome together in 1642, and Le Brun remained there for four years. He then returned to Paris, and was patronised by Fouquet, and was in favour with Mazarin and Colbert. He was the moving spirit in the establishment of the Academy of Painting and Sculpture, the French Academy at Rome, and the Gobelins. In 1660 his designs for decorations at the king's triumphal entry pleased Louis, and his Alexander and the Family of Darius obtained for him nobility, a pension, and the post of royal painter. He decorated Versailles and the Louvre, but the death of his patron Colbert put him in the sliade, and he died neglected.