AFTER NICOLAS COUSTOU (1658-1733) Stablehand holding a prancing horse Proof in bronze with brown patina and medal Signed on the terrace: Coustou Height: 38.5 cm Commissioned by Louis XV in 1739, Guillaume Coustou's Chevaux de Marly replaced those created by Antoine Coysevox, which until then had stood in front of the Château de Marly, overlooking the drinking trough. Although Coustou had initially opted for a depiction of Castor and Pollux, the theme finally chosen is far removed from any allegorical or mythological references. It simply features two spirited horses grappling with their naked, muscular grooms. The depiction is a rigorous study of nature.