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PAIR OF SCULPTURES “THE MARLY HORSES”, AFTER GUILLAUME COUSTOU THE ELDER (1677–1746) FRANCE, 19TH CENTURY
PAIR OF SCULPTURES “THE MARLY HORSES”, AFTER GUILLAUME COUSTOU THE ELDER (1677–1746) FRANCE, 19TH CENTURY
The pair of sculptural compositions known as “The Marly Horses”, also referred to as “The Horse Tamers”, represents a highly accomplished bronze interpretation of one of the most celebrated works of French court sculpture of the 18th century. The compositions derive from the original marble group created by Guillaume Coustou the Elder for the terrace of the royal château of Marly-le-Roi during the reign of Louis XV.The sculptures depict nude youths exerting great effort to restrain rearing horses. The dramatic tension of the scene is conveyed through the powerful contrast between the untamed energy of the animals and the academically precise treatment of human anatomy. The figures are conceived in complex spatial movement, creating a strong sense of continuous action and internal dynamism characteristic of the finest examples of French monumental sculpture.The bronzes are cast with exceptional attention to detail. The musculature of the human figures, the animated manes and strained necks of the horses, as well as the expressive gestures and corporeal plasticity, are all rendered with remarkable clarity. The surfaces retain a deep, even patina of a warm tone, enhancing the sculptural relief and the play of light and shadow. Each figure is mounted on a shaped marble base of harmonious coloration, lending the ensemble a distinctly ceremonial and interior-oriented presence.Material: Bronze; marble.Dimensions: Height – 66 cm; Width – 53 cm; Depth – 48 cm (each sculpture).Condition: Good.Provenance: Photo archive of a private collection. Formerly part of a private collection displayed in the Liechtenstein palaces, Stadtpalais Vienna and Schloss Vaduz, Liechtenstein, 1945.
Begins 03.05.2026
CRYSTAL JUG WITH SILVER, 13TH ARTEL RUSSIA, MOSCOW, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
CRYSTAL JUG WITH SILVER, 13TH ARTEL RUSSIA, MOSCOW, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
An exquisite crystal jug with a silver mount represents a striking example of the high level achieved by Russian decorative and applied arts in the early 20th century. The object demonstrates a refined and deliberate reinterpretation of Western European historical styles, characteristic of Moscow silver workshops of the Late Historicism period. The composition combines classical restraint with decorative elegance, inspired by motifs of the Early French Renaissance.The proportionally expanded body of transparent crystal is adorned with deep diamond-cut and vegetal engraving, creating a rich play of light while emphasizing the functional purpose of the vessel. The silver collar of the neck is executed in a restrained manner and decorated with classical garlands seemingly suspended along the lower edge, lending the form architectural clarity and ceremonial dignity. A Renaissance-style ornamental band at the rim harmoniously complements the gently curved handle, whose subtly modern character reflects the stylistic transition of the era.A distinctive accent is provided by the garnet finial crowning the lid - an elegant detail symbolically associated with fertility, blossoming, and abundance, themes of particular significance within Renaissance tradition. This refined artistic gesture reinforces the association of the jug with formal table settings and celebratory beverages such as cherry juice, punch, or red wine. The jug is perceived not merely as a utilitarian object, but as an independent artistic focal point conceived for festive occasions.Hallmarks: State assay mark of the Moscow Assay Office for secondary elements and fittings, silver standard “84”, period 1908-1926; Maker’s mark “13A” (13th Artel); Inside the lid - repeated Moscow Assay Office mark and maker’s mark “13A”.Dimensions: Height: 29 cm, Width: 16 cm, Depth: 13 cmCondition: Good. The crystal shows no cracks or restorations. The silver elements retain an even time patina, without deformation.Provenance: Private collection.
Begins 02.05.2026
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