Study for one of the 'Chevaux de Marly' 1735 - 1745

This preparatory drawing, created between 1735 and 1745 by Guillaume Coustou the Elder, depicts a study for one of the "Chevaux de Marly" sculptures. The sketch showcases a powerful horse rearing up, its muscles straining, and a man struggling to hold it. Coustou, renowned for his dynamic and lifelike sculptures, utilized this drawing to refine the composition and anatomy of the horses for the final monumental pieces. The "Chevaux de Marly" are famous sculptures, representing two horses being tamed, and were originally placed in Marly-le-Roi, France. This study highlights the meticulous process behind the creation of these iconic works, demonstrating Coustou's mastery of form and movement.