Meridies (Noon) c. 1640

Charles Le Brun created this print, Meridies, or Noon, using etching techniques. It likely dates to the second half of the 17th century in France. This work is part of a series representing different times of day, connecting to larger traditions of depicting the seasons or the elements. Le Brun was the dominant figure in French art during the reign of Louis XIV, and the director of the Gobelins Manufactory, effectively dictating the aesthetic of the French court. He also was head of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture which controlled artistic training and public exhibitions. Here, we see a pastoral scene with mythological figures; it invokes a classical past to legitimize the cultural projects of the French monarchy. But the very act of standardizing artistic taste through the Académie also created space for dissent and resistance. Understanding Le Brun's role in these institutions gives us insight into the social and political function of art in his time. Studying archival documents, such as the records of the Académie, helps us to understand these dynamics and the complex relationship between artistic creation and social power.