Athena

Object NameMedal

Artist / Maker Christian Petersen (Danish - American, 1885 - 1961)

Manufacturer Chas. M. Robbins Company (American, 1892 - 1963)

Designer George E. Nerney (American, 1885 - 1971)

Date1911-1914

MediumBronze

Dimensions1 5/8 x 1/8 (4.1 x .3) [diameter x depth]

ClassificationsMedals, Medallions, and Coins

Credit LineGift of Charlotte Petersen to Special Collections, Iowa State University Library. Transferred to University Museums. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM99.62

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextFrom the University Museums Collections Handbook, vol. 2, 2025: In 1907, Petersen began working as a die-cutter at the Chas. M. Robbins Company in Attleboro, Massachusetts, a company known for its jewelry, medals, medallions, buttons and other metal objects. Over time, he took on multiple roles, working as a die-cutter, steel engraver, design artist, and intaglio engraver. Created in 1915 in collaboration with his close friend and colleague, designer George E. Nerney, this medal depicts the Greek goddess Athena holding a palm branch, with an owl perched on a stack of books and a lamp on a pedestal. This medal was later cast multiple times and modified to incorporate other elements by the Robbins Co. During this period, Petersen also enrolled at the Art Students League in New York, where he studied life drawing under George Bridgeman. Additionally, he attended classes at the Beaux Arts Institute of Architecture and Design in New York. The Beaux Arts style would continue to influence Petersen throughout his early career as a sculptor, as seen in his early designs for The History of Dairying mural cycle.

Published ReferencesAdvertised in three iterations in the Robbins Co. catalogue The Robbins Company formerly the Chas. M. Robbins Co. (parts I-III) n.d. 1912 and after. Catalogue held in the Robbins Co. archives, Attleboro Area Industrial Museum, Attleboro, MA. Reproduced in 1923 for the Hollywood Military Academy (High School) by the Robbins Co. Image: Transmission (Northern Natural Gas Co.), Vol. VIII No. 2, 1960. Original drawing for medal is in the Robbins Archives, Attleboro Area Industrial Museum, Attleboro, MA.

Locations