This statue shows a crowned woman with two male kilted children at her feet. One shows plans for approval whilst the other kneels to apply mortar to a pillar. It represents the crowning of the theory and practice of Art.

Designed in 1862 by William Brodie 1815- 1881 (not to be confused with the infamous William Deacon Brodie) the statue was not unveiled until 1891 ten years after the artists' death.

Brodie was a prolific sculptor and is responsible for a number of statues in Edinburgh and Glasgow including James Young Simpson also in West Princes Street Gardens and the bronze statue of Greyfriar's Bobby outside Greyfriars Kirk.