Study for Saint Francis Xavier: Study of a priest

Object NameDrawing

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

Date1949

Originu.s.a

MediumPaper; black graphite or conte

Dimensions8 3/4 x 11 7/8 in. (22.2 x 30.2 cm)

ClassificationsDrawings

Credit LinePurchased by University Museums from Mary Petersen. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberum92.73

Status

Not on view

Collections

Label TextThe tallest statue (21 feet high) Petersen ever produced was the figure, "St. Francis Xavier," commissioned by the parish named in the saint's honor in Dyersville, Iowa. An energetic Jesuit missionary and organizer, St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was known for his zeal in spreading the gospel, especially to India and elsewhere in Asia in the sixteenth century. The finished figure portrays the saint standing firmly as he lifts a crucifix triumphantly to the world. Petersen himself had recently converted to Catholicism, and his fascination for active disseminators of the faith was shown not only here but in other religious works of this period, such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a sculpture created for another Iowa parish. Petersen's tribute to St. Francis included not just the purposeful, vibrant figure, but also relief panels carved into the large base that showed scenes from the saint's life. One panel contained a map of the part of the world where St. Francis evangelized while two others represented his voyages and his personal charisma in gaining converts. The sculpture remains today in front of St. Francis Xavier School at Dyersville.

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