Le Sueur, Eustache

(1617-1655)

   painter

   Born in Paris, Eustache Le Sueur was the favorite student of Simon vouet, whose influence is evident in Le Sueur's masterpiece, the 22 paintings of the life of St. Bruno (Vie de saint Bruno), done for a Carthusian monastery. Specializing in religious and mythological works, he was strongly influenced also by the Renaissance classicism of Raphael, and by the baroque classicism of his contemporary Nicolas poussin (Les Muses, 1644). A founding member of the Royal Academy (1648), Le Sueur was also the founder of the style that is today called "Atticism." His works, reflecting a sense of spirituality and sensitivity, as well as classical techniques and composition, include Agar et l'ange; Portement de croix; and Messe de saint Martin.