Charles Le Brun

French, 1619 - 1690

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The image displays a person's face in profile, wearing a dark, metallic helmet. The individual has a prominent nose, lips, short beard, and mustache. The skin tone is warm and earthy. The person has no visible hair above the helmet. The background is light brown and beige with subtle textures. No jewelry or additional objects are present.
Charles Le Brun, Head of a Macedonian Soldier, c. 1668, pastel with black, red, and white chalk on laid paper, with later framing line in brown ink, Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1984.3.15

Head of a Macedonian Soldier

Charles Le Brun · c. 1668 · pastel with black, red, and white chalk on laid paper, with later framing line in brown ink ·  Accession ID  1984.3.15
This is a drawing of a figure holding a rearing horse. The drawing depicts a muscular figure next to a horse in motion, with one front leg raised. The figure is adorned with drapery around the waist and wears a winged helmet. The horse is robust and dynamic, suggesting movement and strength. The monochromatic rendering and delicate lines emphasize the detailed anatomy of both the figure and the horse.
Charles Le Brun, Mercury and Pegasus, 1660s/1670s, black chalk and gray wash on laid paper, laid down on an old mount, Gift of Donald Stone, 2022.40.8

Mercury and Pegasus

Charles Le Brun · 1660s/1670s · black chalk and gray wash on laid paper, laid down on an old mount ·  Accession ID  2022.40.8
The image shows a seated figure holding a child next to large urns. The figure is sitting on a structure by a tree, holding a small child with goat-like features. Two large vases are present in the foreground. The figure is holding a musical instrument, possibly a horn. The background features a landscape with clouds and distant hills. The use of line work reflects a classical theme.
Charles Le Brun, Vesper (Evening), c. 1640, etching with engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 2007.18.3

Vesper (Evening)

Charles Le Brun · c. 1640 · etching with engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2007.18.3
This is a drawing of four mythological scenes. The image is divided into four separate panels, each showing muscular, mythological figures in classical settings with props like urns, drapery, and rocky landscapes. The top left panel shows two figures in a pastoral setting with an urn on the right and a rooster. The top right panel depicts figures under a canopy or natural formation. The bottom left panel features a seated figure resting against a tree with a jug nearby, accompanied by a companion. The bottom right panel shows figures in repose beneath a glowing urn. The panels share stylistic elements like detailed hatching and robust figures, creating a classical theme linking nature, time, and human form.
Charles Le Brun, The Four Times of Day, c. 1640, complete set of four etchings with engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 2007.18.1-4

The Four Times of Day

Charles Le Brun · c. 1640 · complete set of four etchings with engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2007.18.1-4
The image shows two figures lying on the ground. The figure in the foreground is leaning against the second figure's legs. The first person has a muscular build, with short, tousled hair. The second figure is partially reclined with their head propped and feet extended. Both figures' faces are obscured. The scene is set outdoors with rocky formations and foliage in the background. Behind them is a large urn-like object emitting strong light or fire, illuminating the scene with contrasting light and shadow.
Charles Le Brun, Nox (Night), c. 1640, etching with engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 2007.18.4

Nox (Night)

Charles Le Brun · c. 1640 · etching with engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2007.18.4
The image depicts three figures, with the full upper bodies of the adult figures and the entire body of the child visible. The central figure is a bearded man with long hair tied back, seated on the ground with one leg extended. To his right is a nude child reaching towards the bearded man, while the child’s head is turned to the left. The child is seated on the lap of a third figure, a partially draped woman sitting on the ground and holding the child securely. The woman's hair is styled back, and she has a serene facial expression. In the background, there is a tree with large leaves and a goat peering from behind the figures. The sky is depicted with thick clouds, and the engraving has the word "MERIDIES" in the top right corner.
Charles Le Brun, Meridies (Noon), c. 1640, etching with engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 2007.18.2

Meridies (Noon)

Charles Le Brun · c. 1640 · etching with engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2007.18.2
The image depicts a male figure with goat-like legs and a human upper body holding a staff. Beside him is a female figure holding an infant. In the background to the left, there is a rooster with the word "Aurora" written. To the right are trees and a large amphora. The setting is outdoors in a natural landscape. The drawing style is detailed with fine lines and shading.
Charles Le Brun, Aurora (Dawn), c. 1640, etching with engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 2007.18.1

Aurora (Dawn)

Charles Le Brun · c. 1640 · etching with engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2007.18.1
The image depicts two male figures, focusing on the upper half of their bodies. One man is seated and leaning back, mostly nude with a cloth covering his lower body. He has defined muscles and his face is partially turned away, showing only the bridge of his nose and lips. The man standing behind him holds the seated man's arm and shoulder. This standing man has a determined expression with furrowed brows and curly hair. He wears a long-sleeved robe gathered at the waist. The background shows a tree and foliage visible through a window, with ornamental drapery and a tiled floor. No jewelry or objects are visible.
Georg Siegmund Facius, Johann Gottlieb Facius, John Boydell, Daedalus and Icarus, 1779, stipple etching and engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2021.112.1

Daedalus and Icarus

Georg Siegmund Facius, Johann Gottlieb Facius, John Boydell · 1779 · stipple etching and engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2021.112.1
This is a detailed drawing of a classical scene. The image depicts a large arch-shaped composition with various figures, symbols, and designs. In the center, there is a prominent figure with outstretched arms, surrounded by cherub-like figures carrying items or playing instruments. To the right, musicians are shown playing wind instruments. The image is bordered by an ornate frame, enhancing its grandeur. The scene is set against a backdrop of clouds and trees. The drawing is finely executed with detailed linework and shading.
Jean-Baptiste Massé, Jacques Nicolas Tardieu, L'Espagne Cintre du Salon de la Paix sur l'Arcade de la Galerie (Spain, Center of the Salon of Peace in the Gallery's Arcade) [pl. 47], published 1752, engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2015.142.1.51

L'Espagne Cintre du Salon de la Paix sur l'Arcade de la Galerie (Spain, Center of the Salon of Peace in the Gallery's Arcade) [pl. 47]

Jean-Baptiste Massé, Jacques Nicolas Tardieu · published 1752 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2015.142.1.51
This is a drawing of an ornate ceiling composition with mythological figures. The scene within the circular frame features a gathering of classical mythological figures, including deities and cherubs, surrounded by swirling clouds. The figures are clothed in flowing robes, holding various objects such as a shield and a musical instrument, and are posed dynamically around a central figure. The composition conveys a sense of motion and divine assembly, with attention to detailing in both the figures and the cloud formations. The outer edge of the circle is bordered with an intricately designed ornamentation.
Jean-Baptiste Massé, Michel Aubert, Laurent Cars, Coupole du Salon de la Paix (Cupola of the Salon of Peace) [pl. 44], published 1752, engraving on laid paper, Gift of David H. McDonnell, 2015.142.1.48

Coupole du Salon de la Paix (Cupola of the Salon of Peace) [pl. 44]

Jean-Baptiste Massé, Michel Aubert, Laurent Cars · published 1752 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2015.142.1.48