WASHINGTON — One of D.C.’s standout statues has been made whole again.
The missing sword of the Joan of Arc statute that lives in Meridian Hill Park has been replaced. The 96-year-old bronze statue was a gift to the women of the United States from the women of France.
“We’ve been waiting a lot of time for the sword. She’s my favorite statue in my favorite park, so I’m very glad to see that she’s been restored,” said D.C. resident Laura Chapman, who lives near the park where the statue looks out over the its terraced terrain and fountains.
The sword was snatched from the statue in September 2016 and it has been repeatedly stolen over the years. Neighbors and the statue’s admirers are hoping this one lasts — restored at the cost of $18,000.
“We’ve worked with the conservator to reinforce the sword and give it a steel pin and better welding,” said Julia Washburn, superintendent of Rock Creek Park, whose responsibility extends to many of the urban parks in Northwest D.C., including Meridian Hill Park.
The cable TV channels Lifetime Network and History Channel have provided the funding for the statue’s restoration.
“I think she’s very elegant and very inspiring. You know, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake at age 19, so she’s a young, teen activist, and I think she can inspire legions of women today,” Washburn said.
The Joan of Arc statue is the only female equestrian statue in D.C. and, according to a count by Lifetime Network, is one of just 200 historic statues of women in the United States.
“The statue is powerful because not only is she female, but she was so young … it’s good to see her restored,” Chapman said.
