The Descent from the Cross

Charles Le Brun's Descent from the Cross, painted around 1642-1645, is an early work by the artist who would become the most powerful figure in French art during the reign of Louis XIV. Le Brun later served as Premier Peintre du Roi and director of the Gobelins manufactory, controlling virtually all artistic production at Versailles. This early religious work, painted during his formative years under Simon Vouet and during his Italian sojourn, shows the classical Baroque style he was developing.

The oil on canvas shows the young Le Brun's synthesis of Italian influences — the dramatic composition recalls Rubens while the restrained classicism points toward Poussin. The controlled emotion and clear compositional structure anticipate the grand classical style he would perfect.