Which artist was primarily responsible for directing the French Academy for 20 years?

Charles Le Brun is recognized for his significant role in shaping the French Academy of Fine Arts, serving as its director for two decades. His leadership profoundly influenced the standards of academic painting and the direction of the arts in France during the 17th century. Le Brun not only supervised the Academy's curriculum but was also instrumental in establishing the principles of classical art, promoting the concept of grandeur and the importance of historical subjects. His impact extended beyond educational administration; he was also an accomplished painter and contributed to the visual identity of the French Baroque period, including his work in the Palace of Versailles.

The other candidates mentioned played important roles in the French cultural landscape, but none held the prominent position and lasting influence on the Academy as Le Brun did. For instance, Claude Perrault was mainly known for his architectural contributions, particularly for the design of the Parisian east front of the Louvre. Louis Le Vau was a notable architect associated with the grandeur of French Baroque architecture but did not direct the Academy. Jean Baptiste Colbert was a significant political figure and a patron of the arts but was more involved in the administration of the arts and culture than in the direct artistic leadership that Le Brun provided.