Nicolas Coustou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicolas Coustou
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait of Nicolas Coustou at work,
by Jean Le Gros (1710) |
|
| Born | 9 January 1658 |
| Died | 1 May 1733 (aged 75) Paris
|
| Nationality | French |
| Education | C. A. Coysevox, Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture, Académie de France à Rome |
| Known for | sculpture |
|
Notable work
|
La Seine at la Marne, Berger Chasseur, Descent from the Cross, Julius Caesar |
| Movement | Late French Baroque |
| Awards | Prix de Rome |
Nicolas Coustou (born January 9, 1658 – died May 1, 1733) was a famous French sculptor. He was also a member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
Contents
Nicolas Coustou's Early Life and Training
Nicolas Coustou was born in Lyon, France. His father, François Coustou, was a woodcarver. He taught Nicolas his first art lessons. When Nicolas was 18, in 1676, he moved to Paris. There, he studied with his uncle, Antoine Coysevox. His uncle was a well-known sculptor who led the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
At age 23, Nicolas won the Prix de Rome. This was a special prize that allowed him to study art in Rome for four years. After his studies, he became a leader at the Academy of Painting and Sculpture. From the year 1700, he worked with his uncle Coysevox. They created sculptures for the royal palaces of Marly and Versailles.
Nicolas Coustou's Artistic Style
Nicolas Coustou was known for how easily he could create sculptures. He was inspired by famous artists like Michelangelo and Alessandro Algardi. He tried to combine the best parts of their styles in his own work.
Many of his artworks were sadly destroyed during the French Revolution. However, some of his most famous pieces still exist today. These include "La Seine at la Marne" and "Berger Chasseur." You can find these in the gardens of the Tuileries in Paris. His "Descent from the Cross" is a large marble group behind the altar of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
He also created a sculpture of Julius Caesar. This work is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Working with His Brother
Nicolas often worked closely with his younger brother, Guillaume Coustou the Elder. Guillaume was also a very famous sculptor and even directed the Academy. Because they worked together so much, it can sometimes be hard to tell which brother created a specific sculpture. Sometimes, a single artwork might be credited to both of them. Guillaume's son, Guillaume Coustou the Younger, also became a sculptor, continuing the family's artistic tradition.
Nicolas Coustou passed away in Paris in 1733. He was 75 years old.
Notable Sculptures by Nicolas Coustou
Nicolas Coustou created many important sculptures. Here are some of his well-known works:
- Descent from the Cross: This large marble group is in the choir of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. It was made between 1713 and 1715.
- La Seine et la Marne: This sculpture represents two rivers, the Seine and the Marne. The original is in the Louvre Museum. A copy can be seen in the Tuileries Garden in Paris.
- Julius Caesar: Nicolas Coustou made a marble statue of the Roman leader Julius Caesar. This sculpture is also in the Louvre Museum.
- Apollo Pursuing Daphne: This marble sculpture was made around 1713–1714. It is often paired with "Daphne Pursued by Apollo," which was created by his brother Guillaume Coustou. Both are now in the Louvre Museum.
- Louis XV as Jupiter: This marble statue shows King Louis XV as the Roman god Jupiter. It was made in 1731 for the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
Images for kids
-
An engraving of Nicolas Coustou by Charles Dupuis, made in 1730.
See also
In Spanish: Nicolas Coustou para niños
