The Arts of Peace Sculptures

Overlooking the Potomac Parkway on one side, and the Lincoln Memorial Circle on the other, the Arts of Peace Sculptures are a set of fire-gilded, bronze statues representing ‘Music and Harvest’ and ‘Aspiration and Literature’.

From the moment that these statues were dedicated in 1951, they have commanded an impressive silhouette, complementing the nearby Arts of War Sculptures on the Arlington Memorial Bridge.

Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Arts of Peace feature Pegasus as the focal point of the statues, with various artifacts to symbolize music and literature.

Sharing a design history with Leo Friedlander’s Arts of War, the statues were constructed in Italy to avoid the costs of bronze and gold in the United States after the Second World War. ‘Aspiration and Literature’ was cast and gilded in Rome, while ‘Music and Harvest’ was cast and gilded in Naples.

One of the best methods for viewing the Arts of Peace is to drive along the Potomac Highway, or around the Lincoln Memorial Circle to include a view of The Arts of War. If visitors wish to spend a little more time admiring the statues, the most appropriate method would be to find some parking near the Lincoln Memorial and walk along to the Watergate Steps to experience their size and history.

One of the only downsides to the sculptures is that their placement, looking over the parkway, makes it difficult to admire their artistry for any longer than a few moments while passing them. This makes it simple for the sculptures to become under-appreciated and unnoticed.

Ummm… peaceful?

Loved this

Stunning Art Deco sculpture that great you as you leave D.C. on Memorial Bridge.

Beautiful sculptures and view of the Potomac River.

Impressive, huge sculptures that you can appreciate while stuck in traffic, which is good because there is no parking near here anyway.

Just driving around

Amazing view over Potomac river.