Collection Timeline

1916 to 1964

1916
Photograph of a portrait bust of a man by Christian Petersen.
Photograph of a bas-relief portrait of United States Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes that was made for the Balfour Company. The portrait was cast by Gorham Co. Bronze Division (1916).

1920
Photograph of a sculpture bust of Daniel G. Crandon, the first president of the Boston Ethical Society.
A painted plaster sculpture of a male and female free-standing figures.

1921
A portrait bust made of painted plaster depicting Emery J. San Souci, governor of Rhode Island from 1921 to 1923.

1923
Portrait roundel of George Kuhns, former president of Bankers Life. The image is cropped round, while the original work of art is a rectangle.
Photograph of a Bas relief of George Kuhns, looking to the right, by Christian Petersen.

1930
Photograph of Christian Petersen standing near a portrait bust of Alfred Caldwell, who was a Chicago architect and former Superintendent of Park in Dubuque, Iowa as well as landscape designer with the Chicago Park District.
Photograph of a portrait bust of, Leslie Young Correthers, by Christian Petersen.
A photograph of bas-relief of the "Robert S. Laird" trophy created by Christian Petersen. The sculpture depicts a figure in Trojan dress protecting a male figure holding a hammer. The bas-relief has places to add inscriptions of the names of future winners.

1931
Painted plaster full figure study of Vitus Bering, Danish explorer and namesake of the Bering Strait. Measuring 43.2 cm x 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board

1933
Photograph of a front view of a clay bas-relief of George Anson Jewett, founder of Jewett Lumber Company.
Photograph of a clay bas-relief of George Anson Jewett, founder of Jewett Lumber Company, Des Moines, Iowa.
Photograph of Christian Petersen sculpting in clay on a proposed World War I memorial.
A typed letter from Jay N. Darling, praising Christian Petersen's work and contribution to the Des Moines community.
Handwritten letter to Kenneth Eichfield serving as a competition entry for a memorial of Abraham Lincoln. Petersen suggests several references that could be contacted.
Typed letter from Raymond M. Hughes to Christian Petersen inviting Petersen and his wife Charlotte to stay at the Knoll for a month while Petersen begins a design for a fountain at Iowa State College.
Typed letter from Raymond Hughes to Christian Petersen discussing an early proposal for Petersen to create a fountain for Iowa State College. In the letter, Hughes requests a design that could be executed in tile or pottery.

1934
This painted plaster study of four buffalo running was created by Christian Petersen during his employment by the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) in Iowa City, Iowa. The study was a preliminary model for a proposed bridgehead sculpture in Des Moines that was never authorized. This was the only small sculpture Petersen created for the PWAP. Cco: Fired clay study (painted plaster)
A handwritten letter from John D. Pusey to Christian and Charlotte Petersen, discussing the Lily medal and recommendations on design changes. The letter also notes payment of $250 to Petersen. Pusey mentions his personal work as well as personal life.
Typed report discussing the costs associated with the production of the Dairy Industry fountain in Ames at Iowa State College and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the project.
Letter from Grant Wood to Harlan Miller dated January 10, 1934. Wood thanks Miller for bringing Christian Petersen to his attention and says he will try to find a place for Petersen in the Public Works of Art Project in Iowa.
Letter from Grant Wood to Christian Petersen dated January 10, 1933 (year should have been typed as 1934). Wood tells Petersen that he has heard about him from Harlan Miller and that since Petersen hasn't found employment with the Public Works of Art Project in Illinois, Wood will try to find him a position in Iowa.
Letter from Grant Wood to Christian Petersen dated January 16, 1934. Wood tells Petersen that he is glad that he can come work in Iowa and discusses the first project he will be working on.
Letter from Lillian Bukacek to Christian Petersen dated January 17, 1934. Bukacek sends Petersen the form letter sent to those working for the Public Works of Art Project in Iowa and the Oath of Office required in order to receive wages.
Letter from an employee of the Des Moines Register and Tribune to Christian Petersen dated January 12, 1934. The letter writer tells Petersen that he relayed Petersen's difficulty with finding employment with the Public Works of Art Project in Illinois to Harlan Miller in the hope of helping Petersen find a position in Iowa.
Stereoscope photograph of Christian Petersen working on the "History of Dairying" bas-relief (terra-cotta, 1934), later installed at the Dairy Industry Building (later the Food Sciences Building) on the Iowa State University campus. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Purchase order for one ton of molding clay, with an estimate cost of $30.00.
Typed letter from Paul Cox informing President R. M. Hughes of the arrangement made for ten tons of clay to be delivered from Fort Dodge Petersen to use on the Dairy Industry Building fountain project. The letter also discusses student labor, fired samples of the clay, and instruction to be forwarded to Petersen on cutting his sculpted sections.
Typed letter from Raymond M. Hughes to Christian Petersen, requesting expenses incurred by Petersen during a trip to Ames to meet with President Hughes and others involved in the Dairy Industry Building fountain project.
Typed letter from Raymond M. Hughes to Christian Petersen, regarding the third panel of the Dairy Industry fountain, fired samples, and mold preparations.
Purchase order for one ton of molding clay, with an estimate of $30.00.
Typed letter from Sheffield Brick & Tile Company explaining the lack of experience with the exact material Petersen has requested, but also expressing continued interest in meeting the order.
Typed letter from Raymond M. Hughes to Christian Petersen, regarding the Dairy Industry Fountain project.
Typed letter from Raymond M. Hughes to Christian Petersen, informing Petersen of the delay in the Dairy Industry fountain project.
Handwritten letter from Raymond Hughes to Christian Petersen acknowledging the placement of Christian Petersen on the Iowa State College payroll for $100 a month.

1935
Black-and-white photograph of "Cemetery Christ: Model for Campus Cemetery" model made of painted plaster, a clay base and limestone plinth behind the figure.
Typed letter containing technical specifications on the terra-cotta for "History of Dairying" fountain to be created at Iowa State University. It also discusses two interior plaster panels to be placed in the Dairy Industry Building and funding levels.
A handwritten letter from John D. Pusey to Christian Petersen, inquiring about the "Lilly" medal. The letter contains personal well wishes and an invitation for Petersen and his wife Charlotte to visit the Pusey family.
Photo of painted plaster sculpture titled "Cemetery Christ: Model for Campus Cemetery" by Christian Petersen.
Handwritten letter Raymond M. Hughes to Christian Petersen, discussing a receipt of the design study for the "Vet group." Hughes expresses desire to make this a bolder relief than the Dairy panels, and also request to see design for the Gym (State Gym).
Letter from Sara Sherman to Christian Petersen dated February 5, 1935. Sherman informs Petersen that he has been given permission to teach a sculpture class in Ames as long as there is no credit.
Letter from J. C. Day to Christian Petersen dated April 1, 1935. Day tells Petersen that the Whitehead & Hoag Co. cannot proceed with stamping the medal Petersen designed until they receive an official order from Iowa State College.
Letter from J. C. Day to Christian Petersen dated April 3, 1935. Day tells Petersen that work on the medal is proceeding and that the Whitehead & Hoag Co. can ship the medal directly to the Eli Lilly Company.
Letter from J. C. Day to Christian Petersen dated April 5, 1935. Day tells Petersen that the Eli Lilly Company has ordered five medals and that if the Whitehead & Hoag Co. knew that Eli Lilly was paying for the medals they would have quoted a higher price and collected a better profit.
Christian Petersen standing behind the "History of Dairying" sculpture (terra-cotta, 1934), installed at the Dairy Industry Building (later the Food Sciences Building) on the Iowa State University campus. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Front view of the "History of Dairying" bas-relief and sculpture fountain (terra-cotta, 1934), located at the Dairy Industry Building (later the Food Sciences Building) on the Iowa State University campus. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen in his studio with two students. The studio was located in the Veterinary Quadrangle (later named Lagomarcino Hall). Figures from "Conversations"are in the background, and a small-scale model of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux to the right. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Possible title page sketch (unpublished) of Cha-Ki-Shi--her doll and separate sketches representing Food, Clothing, Shelter, and Culture. Includes editorial comments on border. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and watercolor (color) on paper
Sketch of buffalo in snow (p. 74 in "Cha-Ki-Shi"). Includes cropping note on border. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and watercolor (black and white) on paper
Sketch of wickiup (unpublished) showing exterior and the fireplace inside for "Cha-Ki-Shi." Includes editorial comments on border. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and watercolor (color) on paper
Sketch of wickiup interior with family and fireplace (p. 37 in "Cha-Ki-Shi"). Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and watercolor (color) on paper
Sketch (unpublished) of clothing accessories for "Cha-Ki-Shi." Includes notes on colors and types of beads, clothing etc. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Crayon and pencil (color) on paper
Sketch of the people arriving for the feast (full page color illustration in "Cha-Ki-Shi" facing page between pages 18 and 19). Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal pencil and watercolor (color) on paper
Sketch of mother and daughter working in the garden (titled "Garden Time" on p. 122 in "Cha-Ki-Shi"). Includes editorial comments and dimensions on border. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and pencil (black and white) on paper
Sketch of the bark house or permanent home (p. 115 in "Cha-Ki-Shi"). Dimension (4 in.) and illegible comment. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and pencil (black and white) on paper
Sketch of maple sugar making (p. 107 in "Cha-Ki-Shi"). Dimension (4 in.). Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and pencil (black and white) on paper
Sketch (unpublished) of people gathering cattails. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Watercolor (color)
Sketch of woman making nettle string (p. 93 in "Cha-Ki-Shi"). Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and pencil (black and white) on paper
Sketch of Cha-Ki-Shi for book cover and title page. Editorial comments on border. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal pencil and watercolor (color) on paper
Sketch (unpublished) of people making maple sugar. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Watercolor (color) and pencil on paper
Sketch of people making maple sugar (p. 107 in "Cha-Ki-Shi"). Editorial comments on border. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Watercolor (color) and charcoal on paper
Sketch of a man for "Cha-Ki-Shi." Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Watercolor (color) and pencil on paper
"Cha-Ki-Shi" book cover and title page. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal pencil and colored pencil (color) on paper
Sketch for "Cha-Ki-Shi." Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Charcoal and pencil (black and white) on paper
Dairy industry bas-relief (terra-cotta 1934). Text authored by Horticulture Professor Jules Cool Cunningham. Located in Food Sciences Building lobby formerly the Dairy Industry Building on the Iowa State University campus. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Dairy industry bas-relief and sculpture (terra-cotta 1934) Located in Food Sciences Building courtyard formerly the Dairy Industry Building on the Iowa State University campus. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board

1936
Medal created by Christian Petersen for an award sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and administered by the American Chemical Society. The award was originally given for biological chemistry and later awarded for work of unusual merit in microbiology or immunology. Cco: Medal cast in bronze
Two handwritten drafts and a typed copy of a letter requesting an appointment when Petersen next travels to Chicago.
Typed letter from Edward B. Rowan to Raymond M. Hughes, responding to Raymond Hughes requesting the inclusion of Christian Petersen in the Treasury Department's Section of Painting and Sculpture, which Rowan heads.
Typed letter from George Nerney to Christian Petersen, discussing an early proposal for Petersen to create a fountain for Iowa State College. In the letter, Hughes requests a design that could be executed in tile or pottery.
Letter from publisher Charles Scribner's Sons to the authors of "Cha-Ki-Shi" regarding its illustrations. Christian Petersen created the illustrations for "Cha-Ki-Shi," a children's book by Halla Rhode and Bessie Coon (C. Scribner's Sons, 1936) about the Meskwaki Indigenous people in Iowa. Cco: Typewritten letter
A handwritten letter from P. H. Elwood to F. A. Cushing Smith, a personal endorsement of Petersen to be employed as the Chicago Parks sculptor.
A typed letter to Joanne M. Hansen from George Nerney, praising Christian Petersen's work and giving permission for Hansen to use any published writing from Nerney.

1937
Handwritten letter from Raymond M. Hughes to Christian and Charlotte Petersen, informing them of Hughes's visit to the University of Kentucky-Lexington and attempts to create commissions for Petersen.
Typed letter from F. A. Cushing Smith to Christian Petersen, acknowledging the receipt of two plaster panels sent by Petersen. A handwritten copy of a note from Petersen that accompanied the panels is included.
A typed letter from Paul B. Boyd to Christian Petersen, commissioning Christian Petersen to create a bronze bas-relief of President McVey of the University of Kentucky.

1938
Medal awarded for achievement in engineering by an ISU alumnus, in the fields of technical construction, design, planning, development, and management, as well as teaching and research. The award was established by Iowa State College through the generosity of Anson Marston, Professor of Civil Engineering (1892-1920) and Dean of Engineering (1904-1932). He was named Dean Emeritus in 1938. The medal was originally to be made of gold, and awarded no more than once a year. This medal is one of two, which was sent to Christian Petersen by the Medallic Art Company (New York, New York) for him to use in exhibits as needed. Recto: depicts Iowa State University College of Engineering Dean Anson Marston in profile, wearing a suit and tie. Verso: depicts a scene with bridges, a river, a dam, a tower, and buildings. Recto inscription: THE ANSON MARSTON AWARD-IOWA STATE COLLEGE. Verso inscription: AWARDED FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGINEERING. Cco: Medal cast in bronze
Photograph of a bust of George Nerney, created by Christian Petersen.
Letter from LaVelle Boozer to Christian Petersen dated February 28, 1938. Boozer expresses his appreciation of his father's portrayal on a plaque Petersen designed.
Engraved print of Mary Charlotte Petersen, daughter of Christian and Charlotte Petersen. Cco: Printed on paper
Typed letter from Anson Marston to Christian Petersen, giving Petersen $100 as a token of appreciation for the Marston Award Medal.
Handwritten letter from Raymond Hughes to Christian Petersen discussing the P. H. Elwood designed fountain for the Memorial Union and Petersen's plans to add a sculpture to it.

1939
Booklet made for Mary Charlotte Petersen, daughter. Cco: Printed on paper
Essay "A Mountain Interlude," by Charlotte Petersen, describing funerals in Wilhurst, Kentucky, after a flood. Cco: Typewritten on paper
Photograph of a portrait bust of Charles Murray, dean of Veterinary College at Iowa State University.
Illustrations for "Hello beautiful" booklet made for Mary Charlotte Petersen, daughter of Christian and Charlotte Petersen. Cco: Printed on paper; mounted on cardboard
Side profile sketch of Uncle Miles Bach, Quick Sands, Kentucky, part of a series completed by Christian Petersen. Cco: Pencil on paper
Sketch of an outside potluck meal in Kentucky, part of a series completed by Christian Petersen. Cco: Pencil on paper
Sketch of "Uncle Bill," W. H. Reams of Orlando, Kentucky, July 20, 1939. Part of a series completed by Christian Petersen. Cco: Pencil on paper
Sketch of a country church in Kentucky; part of a series completed by Christian Petersen. Cco: Pencil on paper
Mary, Charlotte, and Christian Petersen at home around Christmas 1939.
Audio recording of Carol Elbert reading "Hello beautiful." Elbert reads the children's book created by Christian and Charlotte Petersen about their daughter Mary for Christmas 1939.

1940
Personal letter from Christian Petersen friend, engraver George Nerney (Massachusetts), describing his responses to Hello Beautiful, a printed booklet Petersen created for his daughter Mary Charlotte Petersen. Cco: Written on paper
Photograph showing Christian Petersen sculpting a portrait bust of Kirk Fox, who was editor of the Des Moines Publishing House.
Letter from Raymond M. Hughes to Christian Petersen, sending appreciation for the Memorial Union Fountain design and other sculptures on campus.
A typed letter from George Nerney to Christian Petersen, discussing Petersen's die-cutting of spoons and the models for the Fountain of the Four Seasons.
Letter from Geraldine Thomas to Christian Petersen dated June 11, 1940. Thomas writes on behalf of Doctor Balfour to thank Petersen for the photograph of his study for the "Country Doctor" sculpture.
Letter from Anna B. Lawther to Christian Petersen dated November 6, 1940. Lawther sends Petersen a $75 check to pay for her head.
Christian Petersen in his studio in the Veterinary Quadrangle (later named Lagomarcino Hall). Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen in his studio. The girl with the rose in her lap from "Conversations" is in the foreground. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen in his studio working on the terra-cotta bas-relief of pastor Samuel Nichols for the Collegiate Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen in his studio working on the terra-cotta bas-relief of pastor Samuel Nichols for the Collegiate Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen in his studio working on the terra-cotta bas-relief of pastor Samuel Nichols for the Collegiate Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Typed letter in which Nerney requests a description of the "color scheme of the whole court-yard."

1941
A typed letter from George Nerney praising Christian Petersen"s "Corn Fountain" (Fountain of the Four Seasons) and requesting a description of the color of the fountain. Towards the end of the letter, a Miss Lenore Sullivan is noted to be visiting Newport, RI.
Detail of one of the four figures seated around the fountain; she holds a basket of maize. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
"Four Seasons" fountain with the Memorial Union in the background. The figure facing front nurses her newborn, the figure facing right holds a basket of maize, and the figure facing left plants the seed corn. The fourth figure (not visible) holds the tender shoot. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
A typed letter from Jay N. Darling to Christian Petersen, informing him that a box of his plaster molds and casts had been found in Darling's etching press room in Des Moines, Iowa. Darling asks after the mold of the "Stuart Boys" for their acquaintance Ted Stuart.

1942
Typed letter from Charles E. Friley to Christian Petersen, where Friley asks Petersen his opinion on a proposal from Anson Marston, and includes a copy of the proposal letter. In his letter, Anson Marston proposes two sculptures, one of George Washington and one of Abraham Lincoln.
A typed letter from George Nerney to Charles E. Rogers, in which Nerney reflects on Petersen's career and their personal history. Nerney praises Petersen's art, craft, and character.
A typed letter from George Nerney to Christian Petersen, discussing Petersen's recognition dinner and Nerney's hope to attend, Nerney also recalls previous commissions to Petersen.
Radio interview script of Christian Petersen and students Alice Anderson, Helen Barbre, and Mariam Waisanen from the radio program, "Iowa State at Work and Play.".
A handwritten letter from Ada Hayden to Joanna Hansen, praising Hansen for being an administrator in the department of applied art and discussing the Petersen dinner.
A list of ticket holders for the Petersen Dinner. The list includes attendees names, ticket costs, and how tickets were delivered. Attached is a letter, Charles E. Rogers that George E. Nerney.
Article from the Iowa State Daily published September 29, 1942. The Iowa State Daily depicts Marion Link, the model for Christian Petersen's agricultural labor statue, viewing the statue for the first time.
Installation of the Marriage Ring fountain basin (terra-cotta 1942) Located near MacKay Hall. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen sitting on Marriage Ring fountain basin (terra-cotta 1942) Located near MacKay Hall. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
View of Marriage Ring fountain basin (terra-cotta 1942) from above. Located near MacKay Hall. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
View of Marriage Ring fountain basin (terra-cotta 1942) with Catt Hall behind it. Located near MacKay Hall. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen sitting on the Marriage Ring fountain basin (terra-cotta, 1942) located near MacKay Hall. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Typed letter from Christian Petersen to Mr. V.B. Hamilton, regarding the creation of a plaster cast of Mr. Gregory.
Typed letter discussing WOI radio interview of Christian Petersen by Charles Rogers and Martha. Woolfries notes that he visited the Grant Wood Salon in Cedar Rapids and saw Petersen's bust of Wood.
A photograph of a portrait bust of Mildred Catherine Meader Finnegan, sculpted at a Faculty Women's Club meeting at Iowa State in 1942. Mildred was a close friend of artist Christian Petersen's wife, Charlotte.
Photograph of the North facade of the Memorial Union at Iowa State University. A dirt road can be seen along with the three-spout fountain before the addition of Christian Petersen sculptures.
Photograph of the dedication ceremony of the Fountain of the Four Seasons, Iowa State University Memorial Union.
A typed letter from George Nerney to Charles E. Rogers, suggesting that Christian Petersen design and sell pottery.

1945
Letter from Daniel C. Gainey to Christian Petersen dated June 29, 1945. Gainey praises Petersen's work.
Painted plaster figure of St. Bernadette of Lourdes. Given to St. Cecilia's Church, Ames, Iowa, for the sanctuary by Petersen. Measuring 59.7 cm x 26.7 cm x 18.4 cm. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
A newspaper article written by Vernon Petro, discussing Petersen's plans for a larger-than-life sculpture of Christ, measuring somewhere around 9-10 feet, as well as noting several other artistic accomplishments of the sculptor.

1946
Portrait bust of Dean Helen Benitez of the Philippine Women's College, inside Christian Petersen artist studio. In the background, maquettes for "Cornhusker," "After the Blitz," "Library Girl," and others are visible.
Letter from R. D. Hahn to Christian Petersen dated October 29, 1946. Hahn requests Petersen to send two separate bills for his design work on a steer head and the Gerber baby.
Christian Petersen in his studio working on a full-size clay model of the Madonna of the Schools, with small clay versions of all the Saint Cecilia sculptures. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Photograph of a preliminary painted plaster model of Saint Cecilia seated with children at the end of a cross shaped reflecting pool.

1947
A child, presumably Andrea Johnson, poses next to a portrait bust by Christian Petersen in 1947.
Letter from Norman Rockwell to Christian Petersen dated August 8, 1947. Rockwell cites his workload and recent accident in declining Petersen's invitation for an exhibition and lecture on Rockwell's work.

1949
Article from the Iowa State Daily published October 6, 1949. The Iowa State Daily states that a plaster cast has been made of Christian Petersen's statue of George Washington Carver and recounts Carver's achievements.
Statue of George Washington Carver by Christian Petersen, sculptor-in-residence in the late 1940s. Originally a plaster sculpture, it was given to the University and placed in Carver Hall at the dedication of the hall in 1970 by the Class of 1968. Christian Petersen came over and stood by August Bang's side. "When I look upon Carver as you have him here," Bang said, "The words which were written at his death come to my mind--'He wandered with God'." "That is just what I have tried to say," answered the artist, and a beautiful smile lighted his face. In 1998, with gift funds, the statue was cast in bronze as it was originally meant to be, and installed in the courtyard between Carver and Beardshear Halls.

1950
Article by Warren Gore published in the Ames Daily Tribune on September 29, 1950. The article discusses Christian Petersen teaching art to Iowa State College students and presents an overview of his life and work.
Painted plaster statue of Christ made for Archbishop Rohlman, who officiated at Petersen's confirmation ceremonies in Dubuque, Iowa. Measuring 99.1 cm x 21.6 cm x 25.4 cm. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board
Christian Petersen working in his studio on a small-scale clay model of St. Francis Xavier. Cco: Silver gelatin photograph on board

1954
Cover of the Des Moines Sunday Register's Picture magazine published January 10, 1954. The Picture magazine cover features a picture of Christian Petersen with a sculpture model and full-size sculpture.

1958
A handwritten letter from W. K. B. to Christian Petersen in regards to an exhibition of work in California. The sender acknowledges Petersen for receiving first prize ($25.00) for the sculpture "Serenity," as the sender named it. The letter also discusses plans for travel over the Christmas holidays.
Catalog of the Laguna Beach Art Association August-September exhibition in 1958. Catalog lists the works displayed for the exhibition and notes those that won awards.
Letter from David Iredell to Christian Petersen dated July 7, 1958. Iredell tells Petersen that he has been accepted as an Artist-Member of the Laguna Beach Art Association, and that Petersen's stone head will be included in the Association's award show exhibition held in August-September. Included with letter are lists of activities and Petersen's membership card.

1959
Letter from Leonard H. Grosse to Christian Petersen dated July 20, 1959. Grosse reports on the handling of Petersen's models for a little girl and Dr. Friley, and quotes the price for a bas-relief.

1960
Letter from Florence A. Cassidy to Christian Petersen dated December 10, 1960. Cassidy writes about death and tells Petersen not to worry about making his wife Charlotte a widow.

1961
Biographical account of Christian Petersen's life, with a personal introduction by J. C. Cunningham.
Article from the Iowa State Daily published April 6, 1961. The article is an Iowa State Daily obituary recounting Christian Petersen's life, work, and some of the honors he received.
Photograph of Christian Petersen's studio in 1961. The following pieces are visible: "Mildred Finnegan," "Christ with Bound Hands," as well as a mother and child figure.
Photograph of the statue "Dedication to the Future" by Christian Petersen in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Photo of a bas-relief, c. 1938. The bas-relief is of a portrait of the pastor of the Collegiate Presbyterian Church.
Photograph of Christian Petersen's studio. A small maquette of "Conversations," a robed Christ figure, and molds of bas-reliefs are visible.
Photograph of the interior of Christian Petersen's studio on the Iowa State campus including sculptures "Conversations," "St. Bernard of Clairvaux," a maquette of "Pegasus in Iowa," a maquette of "Madonna of the Prairie," "Jens Jensen," "St. Francis of Assisi," and several unidentified works.
Photograph of portrait bust that was possibly created from bronze or painted plaster. The bust was commissioned by the Fisher family of Marshalltown, Iowa.
Photograph of the interior of Christian Petersen's studio on Iowa State campus including sculptures "Madonna and Child," "Pegasus in Iowa," "St. Bernard of Clairvaux," and an unknown female bust.
Photograph of Christian Petersen's studio in 1961. The following pieces are visible: "Conversations," "Head of Christ," and assorted maquettes, molds, and reliefs.
Photograph of Christian Petersen's studio in 1961. The following pieces are visible: "Conversations," seated female, and two clay sketches of "Woman and Child.".
Photograph of Christian Petersen's studio in 1961. The following pieces are visible: "Head of Christ," a small model of "Conversations," and a robed Christ figure statue.
Photograph of Christian Petersen's studio in 1961. " Men of Two Wars," "Christ with Bound Hands," "Megan Norris," and several other sculptures are visible.
Photograph of Christian Petersen's studio in 1961. the following pieces are visible: "Head of Christ," a robed Christ figure, "Mother and Child," and "Alumni Medallion.".
Photograph of the exterior of Christian Petersen's studio on the Iowa State University campus.
Photograph of the plaster model of the "Fountain of the Four Seasons." In the background, "Head of Christ" and the reclining girl from "Conversations" are visible.
Photograph of the interior of Christian Petersen's artist studio with several work tables and in progress pieces visible.
Photograph of a clay version of "Country Doctor" standing in front of limestone blocks. The "Joy" fountain is visible in the background.
Photograph of a sculpture of George Washington Carver sculpted by Christian Petersen. A small maquette of "Conversations," a bas-relief of children, "Jens Jensen," and two unidentified portraits are seen in the background.
Photograph of the interior of Christian Petersen's artist studio with several bas-reliefs and molds leaning against a wall.
Photograph of the interior of Christian Petersen's artist studio with a desk, with bas-reliefs and in progress sculptures visible.
Photograph of the sculpture "Madonna of the Prairie" in its plaster in Christian Petersen artist's studio.
Photograph of a painted plaster sculpture figure of Vitus Bering, Danish explorer and namesake of the Bering Strait. The figure was created by Christian Petersen.
Photograph of the round plaster positive and negative plaque sitting on a shelf. The plaster has a center image of a woman who wearing a long dress, with smaller images along the edge and across the middle of the plaque. In front of them there is a clay figure of a mother and son.
A black-and-white photograph of a bas-relief portrait titled "Jo Ann and Betty Schrampfer" by Christian Petersen.
A black-and-white photograph of the installation site for "Conversations" by Christian Petersen at the Oak-Elm Residence Hall.
Black-and-white photograph of a roundel study of a farmer with two pigs in a circular frame.
A photograph of a pencil drawing of Roberts Hall.
A black and white photograph of a walnut sculpture titled "Christ on the Cross" by Christian Petersen.
Photograph of installation site of "Conversations" at the Oak-Elm Residence Hall.

1964
A typed listing for the posthumous sale of Christian Petersen's works.
Handwritten listing for the posthumous sale of Christian Petersen's works.