Petersen, Christian, 1884 or 1885-1961

Petersen was a Danish-born sculptor-in-residence and professor of art (1934-1955) at Iowa State University.

From the description of Papers, 1918-1961. (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 28122820

Christian Petersen (1885-1961) emigrated to the U.S. with his parents from Denmark in 1894. In 1900, he apprenticed in the die-cutting trade at the Newark Technical School, and later attended the Fawcett School of Design and the Rhode Island School of Design. He worked in die-cutting intially, but during the 1920s, began accepting sculpting commissions. During the Depression, he was hired by Grant Wood's Public Works of Art Project in Iowa. Due to Iowa State College president, Raymond Hughes, Petersen was named artist in residence at Iowa State (1935-1961).

Petersen was named an Associate Professor in 1955. Among his works on Iowa State's campus are the Athletic Bas Reliefs (1936); the "Gentle Doctor" (1936); the Four Seasons Fountain (1941) and the Library Boy and Girl (1944). Petersen also produced major studio sculptures, including Flood (1938); Old Woman in Prayer (1940); Christ with Bound Hands (1950); and other busts, reliefs, portraits, and small sculptures.

From the description of Papers, 1922-1967. (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 44731060