grand maître
![[VAUBAN, Sébastien Le Prestre, marquis de (1633-1707)]](/assets/image/picture_3601557/4e357/lxe2nv2jvhdppszm1zilhiurbvzx9q9vxoyxgr52ta0ogi4zdn3-n-enqqjpdx1700207013jpg__fix_374_244.jpeg)
![[VAUBAN, Sébastien Le Prestre, marquis de (1633-1707)]](https://veryimportantlot.com/assets/image/picture_3601557/4e357/lxe2nv2jvhdppszm1zilhiurbvzx9q9vxoyxgr52ta0ogi4zdn3-n-enqqjpdx1700207013jpg__fix_374_244.jpeg)
Charles Le Brun was a French painter, draftsman and chief decorator of the Palace of Versailles.
Charles came from an educated and respected family, trained in painting in Italy and very soon his talents were appreciated in the highest circles of France. In 1660 Le Brun painted "The Family of Darius before Alexander", which brought him the reputation of a brilliant French painter, and in 1664 he received the position of the first painter of the king. Thereafter he received more and more commissions and more honors.
From 1662 Le Brun controlled all the artistic projects of the royal court. In the Palace of Versailles, Lebrun created beautiful decorations: the Ambassadors' Staircase, the Hall of Mirrors, the Peace Room and the War Room. In each of his designs, he emphasized the king's achievements. He was also responsible for the decoration of the State Apartments, which was entrusted to the greatest artists of the time, who worked from his drawings. Le Brun also designed most of the statues in the park at Versailles. This enormous work cemented his reputation as a true seventeenth-century genius, as well as one of the founders, ideologues, and chief representatives of the classicist "grand style" of King Louis XIV's era.
In 1648 Le Brun became a founding member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, and in 1663 - the manager of the Manufacture of tapestries.
Charles Le Brun was not only the creator of the "grand style", but also contributed to the rebirth of classicism into academism.
Kees van Dongen was a Dutch-French painter renowned for his vivid and expressive works that placed him at the forefront of the Fauvist movement. Born in 1877 in Delfshaven, Netherlands, van Dongen's journey into the art world began with his education at the Akademie voor Beeldende Kunsten in Rotterdam. His move to Paris in 1897 marked a pivotal moment in his career, immersing him in the bustling avant-garde scene and connecting him with influential circles, including Pablo Picasso and the Fauves. Van Dongen's art, characterized by its striking use of color and bold brushwork, captured the essence of his subjects with a unique blend of realism and abstraction.
Van Dongen's work evolved significantly over time, initially influenced by the dark tones of his Dutch heritage and the works of Rembrandt. His encounter with Fauvism around 1906 brought a dramatic shift towards brighter, more vibrant colors, marking his most iconic phase. His ability to capture the sensuousness and personality of his subjects made him a sought-after portraitist among the French bourgeoisie and celebrities of his time. Notable works include "Femme aux bas noirs" (Woman with Black Stockings), "Les lutteuses" (Lutteuses du Tabarin), and "The Dancer Anita," showcasing his fascination with the human figure, particularly sensuous depictions of women.
Beyond his remarkable contributions to Fauvism, van Dongen's ventures into illustration and his role as a society portraitist underscore his diverse talents and adaptability to the changing tastes of the art market. His works are celebrated in major collections worldwide, including the Hermitage Museum and the National Gallery of Denmark, affirming his lasting impact on the art world.
Collectors and art experts continue to appreciate van Dongen's work for its bold experimentation with color, form, and the evocative portrayal of his subjects. His legacy lives on as a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of early 20th-century modern art.
For those keen to explore van Dongen's captivating works further and stay informed about new discoveries, exhibitions, and auction events related to his art, signing up for updates is a must. This ensures direct access to the latest sales and scholarly insights into the painter's rich oeuvre, a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
