Nicolas Coustou (9 January 1658 – 1 May 1733) was a distinguished French sculptor and academic, celebrated for his significant contributions to the Baroque style and his influential role in shaping French sculpture during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Early Life and Family Background

Nicolas Coustou was born on January 9, 1658, in Lyon, France, into a family deeply entrenched in the arts. His father, François Coustou, was a skilled woodcarver who provided young Nicolas with his initial training in sculpture.

This early exposure to craftsmanship instilled in him a strong foundation in the technical aspects of the art. Coustou’s mother, Claudine Coysevox, played a pivotal role in expanding his artistic network. Her brother, C. Antoine Coysevox, was a prominent sculptor and the head of the newly established Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, one of France’s most prestigious art institutions.

This familial connection not only provided Coustou with access to elite artistic circles but also paved the way for his future education and career.

 

Artistic Training and Education

At the age of eighteen, in 1676, Nicolas Coustou moved to Paris to study under his uncle, Charles Antoine Coysevox. This mentorship was crucial, as it immersed Coustou in the vibrant and competitive artistic environment of Paris.

Under Coysevox’s guidance, Coustou refined his skills and gained invaluable experience in both technical execution and artistic expression. His uncle’s influence was instrumental in shaping Coustou’s early style, which combined the dynamic expressiveness of Baroque art with emerging classical elements.

Prix de Rome and Studies in Rome

Coustou’s talent quickly garnered recognition, and at twenty-three, he won the prestigious Colbert Prize (Prix de Rome). This accolade was a significant milestone, granting him the opportunity to study at the French Academy in Rome from 1676 to 1679.

During his four-year residency in Rome, Coustou was deeply influenced by the classical art and architecture that dominated the city. He immersed himself in the study of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, drawing inspiration from masters like Michelangelo and Alessandro Algardi. This period was pivotal in his artistic development, allowing him to blend the ornate Baroque style with the balanced proportions and restrained elegance of classical antiquity.

Return to Paris and Early Major Works

Upon returning to Paris in 1679, Coustou wasted no time in establishing himself as a leading sculptor. One of his first significant projects was collaborating with his uncle on major commissions for the palaces of Marly and Versailles. From 1700 onward, Coustou worked closely with Coysevox on these prestigious projects, contributing to some of the most important architectural developments of the time. His ability to handle large-scale works with remarkable facility set him apart in the competitive Parisian art scene.

Academic Recognition and Professional Growth

In 1742, Nicolas Coustou was formally recognized by being accepted into the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. This prestigious membership not only cemented his status as a leading sculptor but also provided him with further opportunities to undertake high-profile commissions. His acceptance into the Académie Royale was a testament to his skill and influence within the French art community, positioning him among the elite artists of his time.

Collaboration with Guillaume Coustou

Collaboration was a hallmark of Coustou’s career, particularly with his younger brother, Guillaume Coustou. Together, they worked on several projects, making it sometimes challenging to attribute specific works to one or the other. Their joint efforts significantly contributed to the grandeur of French palatial architecture.

Surviving Works and Their Locations

Despite the destruction of many of his works during the French Revolution, several of Coustou’s sculptures survive today and are celebrated for their artistic excellence. Notable surviving pieces include:

• La Seine at la Marne: Located in the Tuileries gardens, this sculpture exemplifies Coustou’s ability to capture natural and dynamic forms with artistic precision.
• Berger Chasseur: Also in the Tuileries gardens, this work showcases his skill in rendering figures with lifelike detail and movement.
• Daphne Pursued by Apollo: This sculpture, created in collaboration with his brother Guillaume, remains a celebrated example of their joint artistic genius and is housed in the Louvre. It was restored between 2004 and 2006 to preserve its intricate details.
• Le Passage du Rhin: A bas-relief located in the Louvre, this work highlights Coustou’s proficiency in narrative sculpture and his ability to convey complex stories through his art.
• Statues of Julius Caesar and Louis XV: These statues, also in the Louvre, demonstrate his versatility in creating both historical and contemporary figures with equal skill.
• Descent from the Cross: Situated at Notre-Dame de Paris, this marble group is a profound religious work that showcases Coustou’s ability to convey deep emotion and spiritual significance through sculpture.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Nicolas Coustou’s legacy extends beyond his own creations. His contributions to sculpture and his role as a mentor significantly influenced the next generation of Neoclassical artists. His ability to navigate and blend different artistic styles ensured that his work remained relevant and inspirational as artistic tastes evolved during his lifetime.

Coustou’s sculptures, characterized by a harmonious blend of Baroque dynamism and classical restraint, left a lasting imprint on French art. His works adorned some of the most important buildings of his time, including the palaces of Marly and Versailles, and continue to be celebrated in public collections and major museums. Pieces such as “La Seine at la Marne,” “Berger Chasseur,” and “Daphne Pursued by Apollo” in the Tuileries gardens, as well as the bas-relief “Le Passage du Rhin” and statues of Julius Caesar and Louis XV in the Louvre, showcase his technical excellence and artistic vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who were the parents of Nicolas Coustou?

Nicolas Coustou was born to François Coustou, a skilled woodcarver, and Claudine Coysevox. His father provided him with his initial training in the arts.

At what age did Nicolas Coustou move to Paris, and whom did he study under?

At eighteen years old, in 1676, Coustou moved to Paris to study under his maternal uncle, C. Antoine Coysevox, a prominent sculptor and head of the newly established Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture.

With whom did Coustou collaborate on major projects for the palaces of Marly and Versailles?

From 1700, he worked closely with his uncle, C. Antoine Coysevox, on significant projects for the palaces of Marly and Versailles, showcasing their collaborative efforts in grand architectural endeavors.

Which artists influenced Nicolas Coustou’s work, and how did he incorporate their characteristics?

Influenced by Michelangelo and Alessandro Algardi, Nicolas Coustou sought to blend the dynamic expressiveness of Baroque art with the balanced proportions and classical restraint of these Renaissance masters, creating a harmonious fusion in his sculptures.

What are some of the notable surviving works of Nicolas Coustou, and where are they located?

Notable surviving works of Nicolas Coustou include:

• La Seine at la Marne
• Berger Chasseur
• Daphne Pursued by Apollo in the Tuileries gardens
• Le Passage du Rhin (bas-relief) in the Louvre
• Statues of Julius Caesar and Louis XV in the Louvre
• Descent from the Cross at Notre-Dame de Paris

How did Nicolas Coustou collaborate with his brother Guillaume Coustou?

Nicolas Coustou regularly worked closely with his younger brother, Guillaume Coustou, also a renowned sculptor and director of the academy. Their collaborations often made it challenging to attribute specific works to one or the other, as they jointly contributed to projects like the sculpture “Apollo Pursuing Daphne.”

What happened to many of Nicolas Coustou’s works during the French Revolution?

A number of Coustou’s works were destroyed during the French Revolution. However, several notable pieces survived and continue to be celebrated in public collections and major museums.

When and where did Nicolas Coustou die, and how old was he?

Nicolas Coustou died in Paris on May 1, 1733, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of influential sculptures that bridged Baroque dynamism and classical restraint.

What is the significance of the “Apollo Pursuing Daphne” sculpture created by Nicolas Coustou?

“Apollo Pursuing Daphne,” created in collaboration with his brother Guillaume, is a celebrated example of their joint artistic genius. The sculpture, housed in the Louvre, was restored between 2004 and 2006 and exemplifies their ability to blend Baroque movement with classical influences.