Existing comment:
The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
History and Design -- Current Condition -- Restoration
History and Design:
In 1901, the US Congress appropriated funds to construct a memorial to Ulysses S. Grant, a Union general during the Civil War and later President of the United States. After a design competition, self-taught sculptor Henry Merwin Shrady and architect Edward Pearce Casey were awarded the commission in 1903. Installation of the marble platform and pedestals and the bronze sculptures began in 1908, and the memorial was dedicated in 1922.
The central bronze sculpture depicts Grant in his general's uniform and seated motionless on horseback, as was his custom while observing a battle. Bronze reliefs on the marble pedestal show infantry soldiers on the march, and four bronze lions around the pedestal impart a sense of strength and dignity. At either end of the marble plinth, groups of soldiers and horses appear in tumultuous action, with Cavalry at the north and Artillery at the south. All of the figures are larger than life size.
The monument is the largest sculptural group in Washington, DC, and the sculpture of Grant, nearly forty feet in height, is among the tallest equestrian statues in the world.
Current Condition:
The memorial is in need of a comprehensive restoration.
Age and exposure to the elements, including acid rain and air pollution, have resulted in severe corrosion and cracking of the bronze.
Over the years, small pieces of the sculpture have been damaged or removed.
The marble plinth, sculpture pedestals, steps, and paving are stained and eroded, and mortar is missing from joints.
Restoration:
The Architect of the Capitol will begin restoration efforts in 2015, with conservation of the bronze elements. Work includes cleaning, repairing, and coating the existing bronze and providing new bronze castings of missing or broken items. Initial stone work will include cleaning of the seven sculpture pedestals.
Fencing and scaffolding to support the conservation efforts will be in place from this spring through the project's completion.
For more project information, visit www.aoc.gov/grant |