A. & Marsy, G. and B. Le Notre Paintings

The Marsy brothers, Gaspard and Balthazard, were prominent French sculptors during the 17th century. Gaspard Marsy was born in 1624 and passed away in 1681, while his brother Balthazard, was born in 1628 and died in 1684. They were born in Cambrai, France, and were part of a family of artists, which undoubtedly influenced their career paths. Their father, Martin Marsy, was also a sculptor, which provided the brothers with an early introduction to the art form.

The brothers worked extensively for King Louis XIV and were involved in major projects, including the decoration of the Palace of Versailles. They were part of the team of artists led by Charles Le Brun, the first painter to the King. Their work at Versailles included the creation of magnificent garden sculptures that were part of André Le Nôtre's grand landscaping scheme. André Le Nôtre, born in 1613 and died in 1700, was the principal gardener of King Louis XIV and the chief landscape architect during this period.

André Le Nôtre was responsible for designing the gardens of Versailles, which are regarded as a masterpiece of garden design. He came from a family of gardeners and was taught by his father, Jean Le Nôtre, who held the position of the head gardener at the Tuileries. André's work was characterized by his symmetrical designs, elaborate parterres, and the use of axial alignments that extended the vista beyond the palace itself, creating a sense of infinite space. He also worked on other significant projects, including the park at Chantilly and the gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The collaboration between the Marsy brothers and André Le Nôtre was a defining feature of the classical French garden style that came to be associated with the reign of Louis XIV. Their contributions to the arts under the patronage of the king were significant, and their work remains a testament to the grandeur and ambition of French cultural achievements during the Grand Siècle (Great Century). The Marsy brothers were admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture; Gaspard in 1658 and Balthazard in 1663, cementing their standing as esteemed artists of their time.

The death of Gaspard Marsy in 1681 and Balthazard in 1684 marked the end of a remarkable partnership in the world of French sculpture. André Le Nôtre, outliving the Marsy brothers, continued his work until his death in 1700, leaving behind a legacy of garden design that continues to influence the field to this day.