Charles Le Brun is known as the official artist of the French Courtyard, the creator of the “Louis XIV style”. Lebrun was the son of a sculptor and soon discovered an extraordinary talent. Thanks to the patronage of the court circles, even during his apprenticeship, he began to carry out large orders, in particular for Cardinal Richelieu. In 1642-1646 the artist lived in Italy, talked with Poussin, studied the works of Raphael, but most of all he was fascinated by the art of Bologna academics.
Returning to Paris, Lebrun remained under the patronage of the king and his ministers Mazarin and Colbert. He became one of the founders of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, its leader, and in 1671 he was appointed director of the Royal Cabinet of Paintings, that is, in fact, became the first director of the Louvre. A huge power and responsibility were concentrated in his hands, but at the same time the artist never ceased to paint, managing to save talent and skill.
“Portrait of Chancellor Seguier” – one of the most interesting works of Lebrun. The artist created a portrait of his first patron in a realistic interpretation, restraint, impassivity and grandeur are palpable in a sculpturally outlined form. It was in this work that the talent of Lebrun was fully revealed. Other famous works: the series of paintings “The Story of Alexander of Macedon”. 1660-1668. Louvre, Paris; “Daedalus and Icarus”. Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
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