Doesn’t Avenue Le Brun whisper stories of artistic brilliance and royal patronage? This avenue owes its name to Charles Le Brun. He was no ordinary artist. Le Brun was the first director of the Gobelins Manufactory in the late 17th century. His influence shaped not only art but also the very fabric of French history.
Avenue Le Brun resides in the 13th arrondissement. This places us in the quartier de la Salpêtrière. The avenue stretches 330 meters. It connects boulevard Saint-Marcel to avenue des Gobelins.
Before 1867, Avenue Le Brun was part of rue des Fossés-Saint-Marcel. The street’s curved path echoes the moat of a 14th-century wall. This wall protected the bourg Saint-Marcel. This was an autonomous settlement outside Paris.
Imagine the bustling activity here centuries ago. The Porte Saint-Marcel once stood at the corner of Avenue Le Brun and avenue des Gobelins. This gate was also known as the nouvelle porte Poupeline. It distinguished itself from the older gate.
After the moats were filled in the 16th century, the street became rue des Hauts-Fossés-Saint-Marcel. The Avenue Le Brun is linked inextricably with the Gobelins Manufactory. Charles Le Brun became its director in 1663. He contributed significantly to its reputation. Under his direction, the manufactory produced famous works. These included tapestries depicting the History of Alexander. They also made ones about the History of the King.
Le Brun served King Louis XIV as “Painter and Valet de Chambre” beginning in 1647. He painted The family of Darius before Alexander in 1660. This secured his status as a genius French painter. In 1664, he rose to become First Painter to the King.
At Versailles, Le Brun unleashed his creative talents. He designed much of the park’s statuary in 1674. Le Brun founded the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1648. Le Brun believed painting should stimulate the intellect.
Even earlier in life at age 11, Le Brun trained with Simon Vouet. He also collaborated with Nicolas Poussin. Later, he gained the patronage of Nicolas Fouquet. For him, he decorated Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Along Avenue Le Brun, several buildings stand out. At number 4, find a building by architects René and Marcel Remoissonnet. Number 7 features a building adorned with ceramics. The pavillon Jean de Julienne at number 20 dates back to the 18th century. This architectural “folly” was built in 1727 for Jean de Jullienne.
Avenue Le Brun also faces the Manufacture des Gobelins. This is a lasting reminder of Charles Le Brun’s profound impact. The avenue serves as a tangible link to a golden age of French art and craftsmanship. Take a moment to appreciate the history woven into the very fabric of this Parisian street.