The subject of Adrian Jones’s quadriga (four-horse chariot), which crowns the arch, was described by Jones as ‘Peace Descending on the Quadriga of War’. A giant winged female figure bearing a laurel wreath descends on a great chariot, which is drawn by four rearing horses and driven by a young boy who sits on a small seat at the front of the chariot body, apparently unaware of Peace descending behind him.
The main figure, carrying a wreath to symbolize victories won, and an olive branch to symbolize peace established, is as vibrant as the horses. So too is the young driver of the chariot, who leans forward eagerly, reins in hand. Ironically, for all its message of peace and hope, the First World War would break out little more than two years after the sculpture's installation.
