LEBRUN (or LE BRUN), CHARLES, an eminent French painter, was born at Paris in 1619. His father was an indifferent sculptor. The son, manifesting an early talent for drawing, was placed under the care of Simon Vouet. Ile however went to finish his studies at Rome, where he spent aix years, during which time he diligently applied him• self, under the guidance of Pousain, to acquire a thorough knowledge of the antique, and of the works of Raffaelle and other groat masters. Lebrun had a comprehensive genius, improved by profound study of history and of the manners of different nations. Few painters were better acquainted with the influence of the passions on the counte nance, as is shown in his ' Traite our la Physionomie,' and ' Sur le Carsetere des Passions ;' nor has he had many superiors in iuvention. With a lively Imagination ha combined great facility of execution, and he aimed at the greatest correctness, especially in the costume and details. His colouring, particularly in the flesh, is indifferent,
retaining too much of the school of Vouct; his light and shade are often not happily distributed, and his foregrounds are generally defi cient in force. His great merit obtained him the favour of Louis XIV., who appointed Lim his principal painter, president of the newly-erected Academy of Painting and Sculpture, and director of the Gobelin manu factory, conferred on him the order of St. Michael, and frequently visited his studio while he was engaged on the battles of Alexander, the best known and most admired of all his works : the engravings from these well•known works give a favourable idea of his abilities, and of the elevated though too artificial style of hie composition and design. Lebruu died at Paris in 1690, at. the age of seventy-one.