French 18th Century Gilded Lead & Stone Fountain

This work is characteristic of the fine craftsmanship and pleasant whimsical lighness of 18th century French sculpture and decorative arts. Built into the exterior wall of Hillwood, the Margary Meriweather Post mansion in Washington, DC, this work includes a gilded lead high-relief of a putto cavorting with a swan in a field of fronds and cat tails. It is mounted on a beaufully figured purple marble basin and stand within a pool. We were asked to study the condition of the work and provide plans to conserve the stonework and restore the gilded relief. After approval we proceeded with the work, the lead group was removed to our studios, cleaned, restored and fully regarded. The stone support and surrounds were cleaned and losses filled. A drain was added to the basin. The restored group was then reinstalled.