Restoration of Diana of the Chase
Buccacio Sculpture Services is proud to have collaborated on the restoration of Diana of the Chase, a life-sized bronze masterpiece sculpted in 1922 by the renowned artist Anna Hyatt Huntington. This iconic work, housed at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, is among the museum’s most treasured pieces. With only five known castings of this image of the Roman goddess Diana and her hound, the sculpture represents an exceptional example of Huntington’s celebrated ability to capture the grace and vitality of her subjects.
The History of Diana of the Chase
Anna Hyatt Huntington, a trailblazing artist renowned for her sculptures of animals and human figures, created Diana of the Chase to depict the Roman goddess of the hunt, also known as Artemis in Greek mythology. The sculpture earned Huntington the Academy’s prestigious Saltus Medal for Merit in the same year it was completed, cementing her status as one of the foremost sculptors of her time.
One casting of Diana of the Chase resides at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, a cultural treasure founded by Huntington and her husband, Archer Huntington, in 1931. The other castings, including the one housed at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, remain celebrated works in collections across the country.


The History of Diana of the Chase
Anna Hyatt Huntington, a trailblazing artist renowned for her sculptures of animals and human figures, created Diana of the Chase to depict the Roman goddess of the hunt, also known as Artemis in Greek mythology. The sculpture earned Huntington the Academy’s prestigious Saltus Medal for Merit in the same year it was completed, cementing her status as one of the foremost sculptors of her time.
One casting of Diana of the Chase resides at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, a cultural treasure founded by Huntington and her husband, Archer Huntington, in 1931. The other castings, including the one housed at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, remain celebrated works in collections across the country.

The Restoration Process
Due to the historical and artistic significance of Diana of the Chase, the restoration commission required meticulous care and attention. Buccacio Sculpture Services, in collaboration with Paul Cavanagh of Paul King Foundry, began the process with a detailed examination of the sculpture’s condition. This assessment focused on identifying surface issues, such as soluble sulfates, to determine the extent of the restoration required.
Our specialized team carefully cleaned the surface, removing years of accumulated grime and corrosive deposits without compromising the integrity of the original bronze. This painstaking process revealed the underlying condition of the artwork, allowing us to proceed with informed and precise restoration efforts.
Reviving the Beauty of Diana of the Chase
Once the cleaning process was complete, we applied a new patina to rejuvenate the sculpture’s surface and restore its original luster. This step required an expert understanding of bronze patination techniques to match the appearance Huntington intended when the piece was first cast. The refreshed patina highlights the dynamic movement and lifelike quality of Diana and her hound, ensuring that the sculpture can continue to inspire viewers as it has for nearly a century.


Reviving the Beauty of Diana of the Chase
Once the cleaning process was complete, we applied a new patina to rejuvenate the sculpture’s surface and restore its original luster. This step required an expert understanding of bronze patination techniques to match the appearance Huntington intended when the piece was first cast. The refreshed patina highlights the dynamic movement and lifelike quality of Diana and her hound, ensuring that the sculpture can continue to inspire viewers as it has for nearly a century.

Preserving a Legacy
The successful restoration of Diana of the Chase is a testament to Buccacio Sculpture Services’ commitment to preserving cultural heritage through art. By combining traditional restoration techniques with modern expertise, we ensured that this masterpiece could be enjoyed for generations to come in its full glory.
This project exemplifies the care and skill required to honor the work of one of America’s most esteemed sculptors, celebrating both the artistry of Anna Hyatt Huntington and the enduring legacy of her contributions to the world of sculpture.
Images of Diana of the Chase





