Hispanic Society Collections Care

Created by American sculptor Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington, the monumental bronze El Cid Campeador is the centerpiece of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’s sculptural program at Audubon Terrace in New York City. Depicting the medieval Spanish warrior Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar on horseback, the sculpture was installed in 1927 and became an unofficial symbol of the institution. Four life-size bronze warriors and two ornamental bronze flagpole bases complete the ensemble.

EverGreene was engaged to conserve El Cid, the four warrior sculptures, and flagpole bases, which had not received comprehensive treatment since 1998–2000. Years of exterior exposure had resulted in surface soiling, biological growth, deteriorated coatings, and uneven patination. Following testing and mockups, conservators used appropriate non-abrasive cleaning methods to remove accumulated soiling, biological growth, and deteriorated coatings. Bronze surfaces were then re-patinated to restore visual consistency across the ensemble.

El Cid and the warrior sculptures received protective lacquer and cold paste wax coatings, while the flagpole bases were cleaned, repatinated, and protected with hot and cold wax treatments. EverGreene provided treatment documentation and maintenance recommendations to support the long-term stewardship of these significant outdoor sculptures.