Charles Le Brun was a prominent French painter, art theorist, and designer. He was born in 1619 and is best known for his work as the leading artist of the French Baroque style during the reign of Louis XIV. Le Brun served as the principal painter to the king and played a significant role in the development of the Palace of Versailles, where he created numerous decorative schemes. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the French Academy of Painting and Sculpture, where he exerted a strong influence on artistic education and practice. Le Brun's work is characterized by its grandeur, classical influences, and meticulous attention to detail. He passed away in 1690, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the history of French art.