the Council<\/a> amid concerns related to Jefferson\u2019s history as the owner of a plantation with enslaved people.<\/p>\nA bronze version stands in the Capitol rotunda in Washington DC, while this plaster version has remained in New York City.\n<\/p>\n
The slightly more than 7-foot-tall statue, on a 10-year loan to the New York Historical, was recently moved from a reading room to a more prominent place in the newly constructed wing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Jefferson statue is a fragile work made of plaster not bronze,\u201d a New York Historical spokesperson said. \u201cIn the recent moving of the statue from the research library to our new gallery, the quill was slightly damaged.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a \u201chuge deal:\u201d Todd Fine, historian<\/p>\n
While the New York Historical describes the damage to the statue of the third president of the United States as minor, some historians believe any damage to such a historic work is significant.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom my perspective as a historian, it\u2019s a huge deal,\u201d said Todd Fine, a historian and president of The Washington Street Advocacy Group, which focuses on public art. \u201cEverybody knew this was one of the most fragile, valuable statues in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
New York Historical in its description to the Public Design Commission, said a brace was moved higher on the shoulder to \u201cavoid a previous stress fracture.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile shifting its position, the brace slipped and knocked the tip of the quill off,\u201d according to the May 29 letter, from New York Historical Director of Conservation Kenneth Be. \u201cThe broken piece fits perfectly with the surface of the piece from which it was separated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fine said multiple moves to and within the New York Historical could expose the statue to risk.\n<\/p>\n
The New York Historical said they \u201cinformed the city, developed a conservation plan that was approved by the Public Design Commission, and Jefferson, with his restored quill, is now on prominent display in the Democracy Matters exhibition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fine said it\u2019s important to remember this statue is the property of New York City, questioning the wisdom of a long-term loan to a private institution, even a nonprofit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was given explicitly as a gift to the people of New York City,\u201d Fine said. \u201cTo give it to a private institution that uses it to promote an exhibit is objectionable.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said any damage \u201carguably bolsters claims that such an important statue should remain in public hands.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
The New York Historical attracts thousands of visitors who see and stand near the prominently displayed statue that they otherwise might never see.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are grateful for the city\u2019s loan of this work,\u201d the New York Historical spokesperson said, \u201cand will continue to provide all conservation resources necessary for its care.\u201d<\/p>\n
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