| This sculpture, "Hippomenes", is by Couston and was originally commissioned by Louis XIV for his garden at the Ch?teau de Marly, and is coupled with the figure of Atalanta. The pair of sculptures illustrate a love story from Greek mythology. Atalanta challenges her suitor to a running race. If the suitor wins he can marry her, but if he fails he will be killed. During the race, Hippomenes throws three golden apples, which were given him by Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty. Chasing after the apples, Atalanta falls behind, so Hippomenes wins and marries Atalanta as his reward. |
