Price of Victory (Fallen Soldier)

Foundry Polich Art Works (American (Rock Tavern, NY))

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

Date2006

MediumCast bronze

Dimensions36 x 18 x 16 in. (91.4 x 45.7 x 40.6 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift in memory of Bernard C. Schulte, World War II Veteran, and Sylvia Brockschink Schulte from your Iowa State University children and grandchildren: Florine Schulte Swanson and Ronald Swanson; Kendell Swanson and Vicki Van Roekel Swanson; Stuart Swanson and Lori Pickup Swanson; Steve Swanson and Denise Swanson, and Ben Schulte. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University.

Object numberU2007.12

Status

Not on view

Collections

Edition1/9. As of 2007 only one cast has been created (LP).

Label TextPrice of Victory is an even more graphic interpretation of the reality of war and the cost of freedom. Petersen depicts an American soldier shot in mid-stride. One hand is pulled weakly toward his heart while the other already hangs limp at his side. He will be unable to soften his fall to the ground which, as we can see from the man’s entire posture, will occur within the next instant. Whether it is a Marina at Iwo Jima or a Ranger at Anzio, Petersen’s fighter represents the sacrifices Americans were enduring and which Petersen felt he must commemorate. When it was shown in the Gold Star Hall of the Memorial Union after the war, it had to be removed because so many found it too real and too heartbreaking to see. Petersen willingly took it off view, commenting that he regarded the reaction as a great compliment to his work. It was briefly displayed again during the Vietnam War.

Locations