3-017-065 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Volunteer Challenge Trophy to be shot for at the Wimbledon Meeting, 1865. Designed by Auguste Willms and made by Elkington and Co. 'At each end of the plateau is an allegorical group - one illustrative of Peace, the other of War. Peace is typified by...Minerva bearing the traditional olive branch, and standing in a car adorned with fruit and flowers. The car is drawn by oxen, harnessed with garlands, indicating the easy yoke of government in times of peace, and led by a youth who bears a sheaf as a sign of plenty...Mars, the god of war, rides in a car embellished with arms and laurels, drawn by horses, led by Valour in the form of a youth...Four allegorical groups occupy other portions of the pedestal. Of these one side shows the blessings of peace, represented by two happy matrons with their children, surrounded by the attributes of Commerce, Navigation, Science, and Art. The evils of war are suggested by the figures of a woman who is endeavouring to restrain her boy from following the god of war to the field, and a mother consoling her son...The central column takes the form of a bundle of fasces, bound with wreaths of laurel...On the top of the column stands the Genius of Patriotism'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.