Born in Portsmouth, England, Christopher Le Brun studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and Chelsea School of Art in London. He emerged as a significant figure in the British art scene during the 1980s, gaining recognition for his commitment to painting at a time when conceptual and installation art were increasingly dominant.

His work is characterized by a lyrical, semi-abstract style that often incorporates references to classical literature, music, and the natural world. Utilizing a rich, layered application of paint, Le Brun creates atmospheric compositions that bridge the gap between figurative tradition and abstract expressionism.

Le Brun was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours for his services to the arts, following his influential tenure as the President of the Royal Academy of Arts. His work continues to be held in major international collections, including the Tate and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.