Search 0
4,432  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 0 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTS
LATEST STOCK
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Antiques dealer?
Join as a Seller
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1239774
FOR SALE
£4,950
Email Phone
Save
A Fine Pair of Gilt-bronze Models of the Marly Horses.
For sale by Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton
for sale €5,792     $6,287
£4,950
Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2017
Browse dealers 219 items
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA1239774
PDF SHARE
SAVE

A Fine Pair of Gilt-bronze Models of the Marly Horses.

19th century
Description

A FINE PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE MODELS OF THE MARLEY HORSES. LATE 19TH CENTURY, AFTER GUILLAUME (1677-1746)

The naturalistically cast bases inscribed 'Coustou'.

This fine pair of late 19th century gilded bronzes are after Guillaume Coustou (French, 1677-1746) Horse Tamer, from the "Chevaux de Marly" series, and are incised "Coustou" to base. They were modelled after those commissioned by Louis XVI for the Chateau de Marly in 1739 and are an excellent quality pair.

Very often the reigns are not present, it’s pleasing to see much is retained with this super pair in very original condition.

The larger of the two measures approximately

19½ in. (49.5 cm.) high

Declaration

Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton has dated these Gilt Bronze Marly Horses to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1239774
Description
A FINE PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE MODELS OF THE MARLEY HORSES. LATE 19TH CENTURY, AFTER GUILLAUME (1677-1746)

The naturalistically cast bases inscribed 'Coustou'.

“
This fine pair of late 19th century gilded bronzes are after Guillaume Coustou (French, 1677-1746) Horse Tamer, from the "Chevaux de Marly" series, and are incised "Coustou" to base.
Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

They were modelled after those commissioned by Louis XVI for the Chateau de Marly in 1739 and are an excellent quality pair.

Very often the reigns are not present, it’s pleasing to see much is retained with this super pair in very original condition.

The larger of the two measures approximately

19½ in. (49.5 cm.) high

Date of Manufacture

Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton has dated these Gilt Bronze Marly Horses to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1239774
Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton
Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2017
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases.
1 / 6
Archive I A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases.

A Fine Pair of Gilt-bronze Models of the Marly Horses.

Archive II A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases. View II
Archive III A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases. View III
Archive IV A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases. View IV
Archive V A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases. View V
Archive VI A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton
Telephone 07505 165 843
Location
Nuneaton
Warwickshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sover
Verified Since Sep 2017
Items For Sale 219
Items Sold 183
Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton
Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton
Verified Since Sep 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: Nuneaton, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sover
Verified
Sep 2017
For Sale
219
Sold
183
A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases.
A FINE PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE MODELS OF THE MARLY HORSES.
Ref: SA1239774
A pair of detailed gilt-bronze sculptures depicting rearing horses held by classical male handlers on naturalistic bases.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleFrench Classical
  • MaterialGilt Bronze, Ormolu
  • ColourGilded Bronze
  • MotifsRearing horses, Male grooms, Naturalistic rocky bases, Flowing manes

This pair of Victorian French Classical sculptures depicts rearing horses with flowing manes, held by classical male grooms upon naturalistic rocky bases. The figures are formed of gilt bronze with a bright golden-bronze colour and distinct metallic sheen, showing detailed casting across the muscular anatomy of both animals and men, alongside incised inscriptions on the bases and retained reins held in the handlers' hands. Each sculpture measures 49 cm in height. Suitable for display in a traditional living room, library or study, the sculptures sit comfortably atop a heavy sideboard, large desk or console table. They bring classical French chateau style to an interior, functioning well as ornamental focal points in formal reception spaces.

FAQs

The original Marly Horses were commissioned in 1739 by Louis XV from sculptor Guillaume Coustou for the Chateau de Marly. Depicting wild horses restrained by grooms, these classical statues became iconic examples of 18th-century French equestrian art and were later reproduced as bronze reductions.

Gilt-bronze figures were typically cast using the lost-wax method before undergoing fire-gilding or mercury gilding to apply a layer of gold. Detail work was finished by hand using chasing tools to accentuate texture in the mane, anatomy, and drapery.

Authentic 19th-century reductions display crisp chasing details, substantial physical weight, and refined casting seams. Look for maker marks or foundry stamps, as well as natural age-related patina or gilt wear in recessed areas.

Position the pair symmetrically on a sideboard, mantelpiece, or console table to serve as a focal point. Their classical equestrian subject matter pairs well with structured architectural elements, dark woods, or minimalist modern backdrops.

Dust gently with a dry, soft-bristle brush or microfibre cloth to clean intricate relief work. Avoid harsh chemical polishes, abrasives, or water, which can strip historic gilding or alter the underlying patina.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories