Christian Petersen and the Unknown Political Prisoner
By Dr. Lea Rosson DeLong with research assistance and editing by Allison H. Sheridan
This research was commissioned by University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa in 2022 to further illuminate the rich story behind Christian Petersen’s sculpture Unknown Political Prisoner. Scholarship is funded in part by an Iowa Arts Council grant.
Eight sketches of varying sizes of figures, most on pedestals and some with crosses behind them. Some sketches reference "Pioneer Women" while others "Unknown Political Prisoner".
Statue of draped figure strapped to a vertical slab, with his back to the viewer. Proposal for international competition on the theme of "Unknown Political Prisoner".
Study of a man tied to a cross - unknown political prisoner of war. Notation by Charlotte Petersen on cover of the sketch book states that it was for a competition for sculptors.
Lecture by Dr. Lea Rosson DeLong for the National Coalition of Independent Scholars Conference: Traditions and Transitions in New Haven, Connecticut on June 20, 2015.
