Restoration La Paix and La Renommée

17th of April 2013

La Paix (Peace) and La Renommée (Fame) were probably created for the Salle des Echevins (Aldermen’s Hall). As a result of successive moves, the bas-reliefs, which date from the high point of the career of Jean Del Cour (1680-1700), fell into disuse and were put into storage.

Having recently been re-discovered, the bas-reliefs were in need of appropriate care. The restoration project has been completed, to the satisfaction of the first occupant of the premises and of all those whom the current Governor welcomes to his official residence.

Prior to beginning the works’ treatment, they were studied in depth. Originally, the polychromy was probably used to create imitation marble. It gradually emerged that the works had been re-painted several times over the centuries. The support panels, which are more subject to climatological variations, had been re-painted up to 10 times. The flesh tints, which had less suffered the ravages of time, had ‘only’ been re-painted 5 times. The various layers prevented the quality and finesse of the sculptor’s work from being fully appreciated. Thanks to the restoration work, the works have now regained all of their former brilliance as well as pride of place in the former Palais des Princes Evêques.