The Enigmatic World of the Le Nain Brothers The name “Le Nain” – meaning “the dwarf” in French – evokes a sense of mystery, and fittingly shrouds the lives and work of Antoine, Louis, and Mathieu Le Nain. These three brothers, active in 17th-century France, stand as unique figures in the Baroque period, celebrated for their profoundly realistic depictions of everyday life, particularly the peasantry. Unlike many of their contemporarie…