Arts of War and Arts of Peace Statues

Washington, DC

The Statues of the Arts of War and the Arts of Peace are located just west of the Lincoln Memorial. The Statues of the Arts of War flank the east end of Arlington Memorial Bridge, while the Statues of the Arts of Peace are located at the terminus of Parkway Drive of the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. Each of the four statues features a gilded bronze casting of a horse and human figures above a monumental granite pedestal and base.

The granite pedestals are currently covered with severe purple staining that detracts from the intended monolithic appearance of the pedestals and bases. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed that copper ions from the degraded bronze statues are the cause of purple streaking. Extensive cleaning tests evaluated chemical cleaners, poultices, laser cleaning, and microabrasives.

MTFA performed a condition assessment and cleaning tests to determine the best scope of work for the stabilization of the pedestals. The final report included documentation of the conditions, testing procedures and results, and recommendations. MTFA synthesized all of the information into a treatment plan and drawings for the cleaning and stabilization of the statue bases.