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-THE ISLAND LIFE-

A GLIMPSE AT A MAJESTIC TIMELESS SCULPTURE

Chevaux du Soleil s'abreuvant – 1667/72 – White Marble

Gilles Guérin – (1611-1678 – Paris)

Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon – Paris 🇫🇷

Imagine yourself immersed in a sumptuous garden, surrounded by sparkling water features and architecture that tells of a grand past. At the center of this idyllic scene stands a monumental sculpture that seems to come to life before your eyes. Every muscle, every fold and detail conveys an intrinsic power that fascinates you and invites you to discover more. Here begins a story that intertwines art, mythology, and mastery.

The sculpture in question is Chevaux du Soleil s'abreuvant (Horses of the Sun Drinking), an extraordinary Baroque work created by Gilles Guérin. Depicting two imposing horses gracefully bending to drink, the piece is enlivened by the presence of tritons accompanying them, symbolizing the servants of the god Apollo. This scene recreates a moment of refreshment and movement that seems captured in a timeless instant.

The sinuous lines and rich details of the sculpted marble are a testament to Guérin's ability to convey energy and vitality. The horses display tense muscles and flowing manes, while the tritons are intent on watering the horses with shells. The balance between strength and delicacy clearly emerges in every curve of the sculpture.

This sculpture is a perfect example of 17th-century French Baroque art, a period known for its emphasis on drama, movement, and elaborate details. The Baroque style was characterized by its ability to emotionally engage the viewer, and Gilles Guérin managed to carry this philosophy into his work. The skillful use of marble gives a sense of tangible realism, as if the horses could begin to move at any moment.

Originally, Chevaux du Soleil s'abreuvant was placed in the Grotto of Thetis (*Grotte de Thétys*), a grotto in the park of the majestic Palace of Versailles. This space was designed to evoke the dwelling of the goddess Thetis and represented one of the many details that reflected the mythological theme and the regal power of the Sun King, Louis XIV. However, for conservation reasons, the sculpture was later transferred to the Grove of Apollo's Baths (Bosquet des Bains d'Apollon), another setting that celebrated myth and nature.

In 2008, the original work was removed and replaced by a copy to ensure the protection and preservation of the ancient sculpture, now exhibited in a museum to allow everyone to admire it up close without risk of deterioration.

Gilles Guérin, a 17th-century sculptor, was born in 1611 and was a prominent figure in the French artistic scene. Known for his talent in marble and stone sculpture, Guérin developed a style that combined the grandeur and theatricality of the Baroque with a sense of classical balance. His work did not simply adorn palaces and gardens but elevated the space in which it was located, transforming it into a living theater. His career, although brief (he died in 1678), left an indelible mark on French art of the time.

Works of art like Chevaux du Soleil s'abreuvant are much more than mere sculptures; they are gateways to a past made of myths, power, and artistic mastery. Through the skill and vision of Gilles Guérin, we can still perceive today the vitality and timeless beauty of this creation. An invitation to immerse oneself in the world of the Baroque, where every detail tells a story and every curve contains an emotion.

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