1619 -1690 · First painter of Louis XIV

Large historical machines, language of passions and royal decorations make Charles Le Brun the visual architect of the reign of Louis XIV.

Born in Paris in 1619, Charles Le Brun trained with Simon Vouet then stayed in Rome with Nicolas Poussin, whose discipline of composition he retained. Founding member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1648, from 1658 he directed the decor of Vaux-le-Vicomte for Nicolas Fouquet. Spotted by Louis XIV and Colbert, he became director of the Gobelins factory in 1663 then First Painter to the King. Spotted by Louis XIV and Colbert, he became director of the Gobelins factory in 1663 then First Painter to the King. Spotted by Louis XIV and Colbert, he became director of the Gobelins factory in 1663 then First Painter to the King. From the Apollo gallery to the Louvre to the Ambassadors' staircase and the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, Le Brun coordinated painters, sculptors, upholsterers and craftsmen. From the Apollo gallery to the Louvre to the Ambassadors' staircase and the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, Le Brun coordinated painters, sculptors, upholsterers and craftsmen. From the Apollo gallery to the Louvre to the Ambassadors' staircase and the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, Le Brun coordinated painters, sculptors, upholsterers and craftsmen. From the Apollo gallery to the Louvre to the Ambassadors' staircase and able to order every gesture and every look. The "Charles Le Brun" selection notably compares The Family of Darius at the Feet of Alexander and The Triumph of Alexander. His reading favors movement.

Le Brun does not only compose a painting: he organizes a world where architecture, gestures, emblems and passions serve a unique story.