Jewell Monument Preservation

Statue of Hope

An exceptional example of Victorian memorial art, the Statue of Hope has stood atop the Jewell Monument for over 145 years. The bronze statue, with its requisite anchor, surmounts a Corinthian column of granite.

Hope, one of the seven virtues, is most often depicted with an anchor. The anchor is a Christian emblem of hope, possibly referencing Hebrews: 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

The Statue of Hope is the work of Carl Conrads. Born in Germany, Conrads graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich before arriving in New York City in 1860.

After serving in the Union Army, Conrads moved to Hartford to work with James Batterson, a prominent monument dealer. Conrads, who was employed as house sculptor from 1866 to 1903, joined Batterson’s firm as it prepared for the post-Civil War demand for cemetery and other monuments.

Condition

The bronze Statue of Hope suffered from the loss of original patina and protective coatings, and active corrosion. Disfiguring corrosion included pitting and etched drip patterns.

Although not uncommon for outdoor bronzes, these issues were visually distracting and could lead to future deterioration.

Fortunately, the sculpture did not have anchoring issues and did not need stabilization.

Preservation

Treatment of the Statue of Hope, which took place in July and August of 2021, included cleaning, removing loose corrosion, repairing flaws and cracks, patinating surfaces (unified aged green), and applying a protective coating followed by paste wax to reduce sheen.

Francis Miller of Conserve Art undertook the preservation of the bronze statue.

Thank you to the William and Alice Mortensen Foundation, corporate sponsors, and Monument Fund donors for underwriting this project.

Gold Sponsors

Mather Corporation
McGovern Granite Company
Mullaney, Keating & Wright
Peter M. Bakker Agency
Reid & Riege

Silver Sponsors

All Waste, Inc.
Close, Jensen & Miller
CohnReznick
D’Esopo Funeral Chapel

Marshall Jewell (1825–1883)

Marshall Jewell was a successful businessman and politician. He led his family’s tanning and leather belting company, P. Jewell & Sons, to substantial wealth during the Civil War. After the war, Jewell served as Governor of Connecticut, Minister to Russia, and Postmaster General.

Marshall Jewell (1825–1883)

Monument Fund

The Foundation raises funds to preserve Cedar Hill Cemetery’s historic memorials.
To learn more about our preservation activities visit our Monument Fund page.

VISIT THE MONUMENT FUND PAGE