“Two rearing horses with their groom” – the phrase is repeated so often. But these are not just any horses. They are the Les Chevaux de Marly and they are captivating. The two magnificent marble sculptures stand tall in the Cour Marly in the Louvre, a testament to the skill of Guillaume Coustou. They were originally commissioned by Louis XV for the Chateau de Marly, a favorite retreat from the grandeur of Versailles. The horses were intended to replace two other sculptures by Antoine Coysevox, which had been moved to the Tuileries Gardens. The chosen modellos were approved by Louis XV in 1743 and the majestic works were completed just two years later. These sculptures quickly became a symbol of French art and even prefigured the Romantic obsession with equestrian subjects. They have an inherent wildness that is still compelling today. The Les Chevaux de Marly, though originally meant for a grand courtyard of the Chateau de Marly, are now at their new home in the Louvre. They embody not only the history of French art and royal patronage but also the timeless power of nature captured within the artistry of sculpture. The horses, in their eternal struggle against their grooms, are a visual reminder of the struggle between control and the untamed forces of nature. They are a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences and inspire wonder.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to