Louis XVI
Louis XVI (c. 1816-1827)
Achille-Joseph-Étienne Valois (1785-1862)
Carrara marble statue, Limestone base
Weight: 6.5 tons (pedestal), 9 tons (statue)
Height: 6’10” (pedestal), 10' (statue)
The sculpture was a gift of Louisville's sister city in Montpellier, France in 1966.
Photo credit: Luke Seward.
Community Input
As part of the FY23 Louisville Metro budget cycle, Metro Council requested Develop Louisville make a presentation to the Community Affairs, Housing and Education Committee by September 30, 2022 on the use of Metro funds for the restoration, the relocation of the statue and the funds needed for relocation.
The American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) provides a Code of Ethics Guidelines for Practice to professional conservators. These documents require conservators be governed by an ‘informed respect for the cultural property, its unique character and significance” as well as serving as an advocate for the preservation of cultural property.
In accordance with these guidelines, conservators that provided treatment assessments for Louis XVI requested community input prior to determining the manner of treatment and/or relocation of the statue. Input from these conservators highlighted technical and ethical factors that should be considered regarding the cleaning and replacement of the statue.
Louisville Metro is reviewing community input received via an online survey (September 2022-April 2023) to determine next steps, using criteria set forth by the Public Art and Monuments Advisory Committee.
Recent Timeline
- Third Coast Conservation Assessment Report
- McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory Assessment Report
- Materials Conservation Assessment Report
February 2021 Metro Council Update
