Charles Le Brun. Self-Portrait as a Young Man with Long, Loose Hair.

Charles Le Brun at age 20 (1619–1690). An oil painting on canvas of exquisite execution, depicting the young Charles with his long hair loose, set within a contemporary gilded frame. The Parisian painter studied in the workshop of the great Simon Vouet and, as a young man, lived and worked in Italy for many years. Upon his return to France, he soon became the favorite painter of King Louis XIV and painted for his court for thirty years, holding the title of Louis XIV’s chief painter.  He is best known for having decorated the salons of the Palace of Versailles with great refinement. He founded an academy of painting and sculpture with as many as 12 collaborators. He was the designer of the palace’s furniture and the gold-plated tableware, which has since been destroyed. Museum-quality painting.