Cowboy, Cutting Horses and Two Polled Hereford Heifers

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

Date1953-54

OriginUSA

MediumPainted plaster

Dimensions17 x 24 x 12 in. (43.2 x 61 x 30.5 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of John J. Edenburn. Conservation funding provided by John J. Edenburn. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2000.2

Status

Not on view

Collections

Label TextIt was not uncommon for Petersen to give his sculpture to people who admired it, and occasionally he even made a piece specifically for someone he especially appreciated. This was the case with this sculpture, which he presented to John Edenburn, a veterinary student, president of the student body and an effective supporter of Petersen's work. Partly through his efforts, Petersen was invited to join the campus organization, Cardinal Key, and had the 1951 ISC yearbook, the Bomb, dedicated to him. As a student, Edenburn developed a friendship with the artist and, after graduation, returned to visit him whnever he was on campus. When he expressed regret that one of his favorite sculptures was missing from the studio, Petersen offered to make a sculpture that would reflect the young veterinarian's intered in Polled hereford cattle. Edenburn served as the model for the rider. The sculpture is now part of the Christian petersen collection at the Brunnier Art Museum, the gift of Dr. Edenburn.

Locations