After Guillaume Coustou the Elder, (French 1677 - 1746), a pair of gilt bronze models of the Marly Horses, late 19th century

After Guillaume Coustou the Elder, (French 1677 - 1746), a pair of gilt bronze models of the Marly Horses, late 19th century, cast opposing, the rearing beasts each restrained by a nude groom to one side, on naturalistically cast bases, one inscribed COUSTOU in the maquette, 49cm high, 39cm long

King Louis XV commissioned Coustou (who had already contributed several statues to the grounds at Marly) to create a pair of sculptures to flank the horse trough or pond at the Chateau de Marly's park. The works, carved from a single block of marble were completed in the notably short time of just two years and were installed in 1745.

Following the French Revolution at around 1800, the chateau was completely demolished and the land sold, but the Chevaux de Marly had already been moved -in 1795 to the Place de la Concorde where they remained until 1984, when finally they were moved to the Musée de Louvre.

Condition Report:
Minor marks, knocks, scuffs and abrasions overall consistent with age. The gilding is quite rubbed and variegated overall, and the surface has some minor pitting and denting, including to the neck of one of the horses and the thigh of the opposing attendant. There is a circular plug above each of the tails as well as a thin seam, either due to casting/manufacture or a possible restoration. Would benefit from a cleaning as there is significant light residue in the recesses, including a thicker residue to one arm of an attendant which may be restored. Minor casting inconsistencies/cracks and coarseness due to manufacture.