285. 4-H Calf

In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Date	1941
Material	Painted plaster
Dimensions	40 1/2 x 31 1/2 x 18 in. (102.9 x 80 x 45.7 cm)
Description	Figure of boy with calf. Commissioned along with Cornhusker by the Hotel Sheldon-Munn, Ames, IA.
Markings	n/a
Provenance / Location	Commissioned by Hotel Sheldon Munn, Ames, Iowa, along with Cornhusker in 1941. Hotel Sheldon Munn, Ames, Iowa; Kirkwood Civic Center Hotel, Des Moines, Iowa; CPAC, Gift in memory of Joseph M. Coppola, Sr., by the Coppola Family. UM99.330
Alternate Title(s)	n/a
Notes / Sources	Image: Des Moines Register, March 4, 1951. Article in Ames Daily Tribune, Nov. 30, 1950.

Commissioned along with "Cornhusker" for the lobby of the Hotel Sheldon Munn in Ames, Iowa, "4-H Calf" is one of the most open forms that Christian Petersen ever produced. Its broad triangular shape and expressive physical characteristics give the work a liberated anecdotal quality. The sculpture most likely was inspired by scenes at the Iowa State Fair, where Petersen occasionally presented sculpting demonstration. Obviously regional in subject, "4-H Calf” is one of the most compelling indicators that Petersen was one of a few three-dimensional artists who embraced the regionalist movement. Just as Petersen may have been one of the earliest artists to embrace the regionalist philosophy, he may also have been virtually alone in applying a long-term, consistent effort to apply the theory to sculpture. However, it is known that the sculpture was being produced in Iowa at this time. A photograph of the Iowa City Public Works of Art Program shows two men who appear to be working on sculpture, although they have not been identified.