Did you notice Mercury’s calm composure atop Pegasus? This is the Mercury riding Pegasus Statue. It is one of a pair of statues that originally graced the Chateau de Marly. Let’s delve into the story behind this magnificent sculpture.
King Louis XIV commissioned this artwork after the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697. Prosperity returned to France and Louis XIV wanted to celebrate. Jules Hardouin-Mansart was appointed to commission statues for the park at the Chateau de Marly. Antoine Coysevox was selected to sculpt two equestrian statues. These statues were meant to stand on either side of the horse pond at the park’s entrance. Coysevox chose Fame and Mercury. They sit astride the winged horse Pegasus. It was a symbolic gesture for the King.
Mercury represents the divine messenger and god of trade. Pegasus symbolizes poetry. Together they represented prosperity and the arts. The Mercury riding Pegasus Statue and its twin, Fame Mounted on Pegasus, were unveiled in 1702.
Interestingly the statues were sculpted from single blocks of Carrara marble. There are no joins. This feat had not been achieved before in France. Napoleon admired that Mercury’s horse had a bridle. Fame’s horse did not.
Originally, the Mercury and Fame group stood at the Chateau de Marly. In 1719, they were moved to the Tuileries Gardens’ west entrance. The originals were replaced by copies in 1986. Now, the originals are preserved in the Louvre. What we see here is a copy.
Take a closer look at the base of the statue. It features military trophies. They represent King Louis XIV’s victories. A shield evokes the Spanish Succession. Minerva presents Philip V’s portrait to the Spanish people.
Antoine Coysevox inscribed the base of the original sculpture. It reads Antonius Coysevox Lugd.Scul.Reg.Fecit.1702. The inscription is in Latin. It proudly proclaims that he produced these in under two years.
Charles Antoine Coysevox was born in Lyon in 1640. He became a favorite sculptor of Jules Hardouin-Mansart. This led to many commissions for the Chateau de Versailles. Later, he worked on the Chateau de Marly for King Louis XIV.
Even today, Coysevox’s work is recognized and celebrated. The Mercury riding Pegasus Statue reminds us of a time of peace. It also reminds us of prosperity under King Louis XIV.