COUSTOU, GUILLAUME

born 1677, Lyon, Fr. died 1746, Paris French sculptor who received many royal commissions. His style was rather picturesque, with some affinity to Rococo works. Coustou was taught by his uncle Antoine Coysevox and spent several years studying in Rome. In 1703 Coustou returned to Paris. His marble statue Hercules at the Stake won him acceptance at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, where he received regular promotions until he was appointed director in 1735. Coustou often worked with his brother Nicolas Coustou (b. 1658, Lyond. 1733, Paris), particularly in the decoration of royal domestic architecture at Versailles. Among his last achievements were his famous Chevaux de Marly (Horses of Marly; 174045), for Marly park; this group of statues now decorates the entrance to the Champs-lyses in Paris. He also created many busts, including a famous head of his brother Nicolas.