a ‘bond of excellence’

Thanks to a gift by the Fondation Philanthropia, Latona’s Fountain and Parterre, two masterpieces of the gardens of Versailles, are getting a new lease of life. This exceptional restoration project has taken more than two years and has called upon a remarkable synergy of knowledge.
Created by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Latona’s Fountain is without doubt the most famous work in the gardens of Versailles with its tiered polychrome marble centrepiece, rich sculptures in lead and marble and cleverly designed water jets. Situated in the centre of Le Nôtre’s Grand Perspective, it is also the key structure in the hydraulic system of Versailles.
More than three centuries after its creation, deterioration had affected the fountain and its components. Work on the infrastructures, hydrant system and sculptures was needed urgently. Modifications had affected the structure’s overall stability with impacts on the general watertightness of the pool. Launched in 2013, the work is now complete...
http://presse.chateauversailles.fr/works/restorations/latonas-fountain-brought-back-to-life/
http://www.stone-ideas.com/2015/12/02/exhibit-in-versailles-le-roi-est-mort-commemorating-the-sun-kings-death-300-years-ago/