Coustou

Nicolas Coustou (1658-1733) and Guillaume Coustou (1677-1746) were two renowned French sculptors during the Baroque period. They were brothers, and their similar styles and shared profession often led to their association as "the Coustou brothers."

Nicolas Coustou

Nicolas Coustou was born on January 9, 1658, in Lyon, France. He was the older brother of Guillaume Coustou and the pupil of his uncle, C. A. Coysevox. Nicolas proved his artistic talent early, winning the Prix de Rome at the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1683.

His notable works include:

1. Descent from the Cross (1717): It's considered his masterpiece, located in the choir of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
2. Julius Caesar: This sculpture is a part of the series of statues known as the "Great Men of France" located at the Versailles Palace.

Nicolas served as chancellor of the Academy and, from 1720, Director of the King's Buildings. He died on May 16, 1733.

Guillaume Coustou

Guillaume Coustou was born on November 29, 1677, also in Lyon, France. He studied under his brother Nicolas and won the Prix de Rome in 1697. Upon his return from Rome in 1704, he was admitted to the Academy.

His major works include:

1. The Horses of Marly (1739-1745): These monumental sculptures were originally commissioned for the Château de Marly but are now located on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
2. Louis XV as Jupiter (1735-1740): This sculpture portrays the king as the Roman god Jupiter, which is located in the Louvre Museum.

Guillaume became rector and chancellor of the Academy and was appointed Director of the King's Buildings in succession to his brother. He died on February 22, 1746.

Legacy

Both Nicolas and Guillaume Coustou played significant roles in the development of French sculpture during the Baroque period. They received many prestigious commissions and held important positions in French artistic institutions. Their influence can be seen in the works of subsequent generations of French sculptors. They were part of a family of artists, including their uncle Coysevox, making the Coustou family a significant contributor to French Baroque art.