Oak Fountain in The Upper Garden of The Peterhof Museum Reserve – Historical Metamorphoses

Abstract

Modern cultural heritage sites have been repeatedly subjected to restoration, repair and renovation works over the long years of their existence. These works were not always reliable and corresponded to the original author's idea: the appearance of the fountain changed due to the use of short-lived materials for the sculptural decoration. At the same time, "improvised" materials were used, without caring about the compliance with the general architectural solution of the fountain. The basis of this article is a comprehensive study using a scientific approach to assess the results of the repair and restoration work of the pond with the Oak fountain in the Upper Garden of the Peterhof State Museum-Reserve over the 300-year period of its existence, which is especially relevant in the context of the modern restoration. The study established the historical approaches that influenced the appearance of the fountain that has survived to this day, and also served as the basis for the scientific substantiation of the decisions made during the modern restoration.