Circa 1860 Cabinet Size Bronze Marly Horse With A Thick Gold Plated Finish
This elaborate cabinet size bronze is based on the original marble by Guillaume Costou 1739-45 for Louis XV’s Chateau horse pond at Marly-Le-Roi.
The bronze is of a rearing horse being retrained by a groom. The piece has been well cast with good attention to detail including fine twisted wire forming the reigns. The piece is finished with a thick 23 or 24 carat gold plate (tested) and mounted on a black marble base which contrasts beautifully with the rich lustre of the gold.
To the horses chest we find a small “K” stamped into the metal.
There is a tiny ‘After Coustou’ stamp by the rear legs and the underside is stamped ‘Coustou’.
~ Dimensions ~
The figure stands at 5 inches (13cm). The base measures 5 inches (13cm)long by 3 inches (8cm) wide. It has a depth of 1 inch (2.5cm). This sculpture weighs 1.35kg.
~ Condition ~
The piece is in very good condition for its age. The plating is still good and thick and retains a wonderful shine with only light wear to the finish. The base is also in a very decent state. There is a small chip to one corner on the underside of the base.