Two Muses
17th century
Charles Le Brun, the ultimate 'brand manager' for King Louis XIV, captured the fluid energy of the Baroque style in this dynamic sketch. You can see a seated figure passionately playing a stringed instrument while another muse reclines below, gazing upward in awe. The quick, sketchy lines show Le Brun working out the anatomy and movement before committing to a final painting. It's a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the French Academy's boss planned his grand, dramatic compositions, proving that even the most polished masterpieces start with a messy draft.
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