U.S. Capitol South Extension Pediment Sculpture

As part of the comprehensive exterior stone restoration of the U.S. Capitol’s South (House) Extension, EverGreene conservators carried out the conservation treatment of the east pediment sculpture group, **Apotheosis of Democracy**, between 2019 and 2020.

Like the sculptural program adorning the Capitol’s North Extension, the South Extension pediment celebrates the nation’s history, ideals, and democratic principles. Completed more than fifty years after the North pediment, it was the final major sculptural addition to the Capitol’s exterior. Designed and carved in white Georgia marble by renowned American sculptor **Paul Wayland Bartlett** between 1914 and 1916, the monumental composition represents one of the Capitol’s most significant works of architectural sculpture.

Before treatment began, EverGreene conservators conducted a comprehensive condition assessment to document deterioration, identify previous repairs, and develop a conservation strategy tailored to the sculpture’s specific needs. The resulting scope of work included gentle cleaning and stain removal, replacement of deteriorated joint mortars and sealants, installation of a new bird deterrent system, and targeted conservation treatments to address areas of active deterioration.

Conservation repairs included precision laser cleaning of sensitive surfaces, consolidation of weathered marble, injection grouting to stabilize cracks and internal voids, application of a breathable protective shelter coat, stabilization of fragile sculptural elements, and the careful reconstruction of lost or severely deteriorated features. These treatments preserved the integrity of Bartlett’s original carving while ensuring the long-term protection of one of the Capitol’s most important exterior sculptures.