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ID #SA1239774
FOR SALE
£4,950
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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
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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

Date of Manufacture

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

Independent Date Check ID 09678418
Dealer's Item DateVictorian era
Sellingantiques DateVictorian era
Sellingantiques agingItem 115-160 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE VICTORIAN ERA:
Crisply incised Coustou signature on the base: French salon reduction casting.
Deep, crisp chasing across the mane and pelt: skilful hand finishing.
Dark bronze patina rubbed to bare metal on raised details: decades of handling.
Separately fitted metal reins joined at the bit: traditional multi-part foundry assembly.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

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.

Independent Date Report ID 09678418
Dealer's Item DateVictorian era
Sellingantiques datingVictorian era
Sellingantiques agingItem 115-160 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the Victorian era:
Crisply incised Coustou signature on the base: French salon reduction casting.
Deep, crisp chasing across the mane and pelt: skilful hand finishing.
Dark bronze patina rubbed to bare metal on raised details: decades of handling.
Separately fitted metal reins joined at the bit: traditional multi-part foundry assembly.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

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

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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 227
Items Sold 184
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
227
Sold
184
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

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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.
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