Washington Park Arch, Underside

Walk beneath the Washington Square Arch and the ceiling opens overhead — a coffered vault of carved marble sweeping from pier to pier. Set into the north face is one of the two statues of George Washington that give the arch its name, the "Washington at Peace" and "at War" figures added in 1916 and 1918.

Photographed May 2013. The coffered intrados arcs across the frame and Washington stands in profile at the right. Looking up into the arch turns a familiar landmark into something you have to crane your neck to read — all carved stone and shadow.