Library Boy and Girl: Models

Object NameModel

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

Date1944

MediumPainted plaster

Dimensions24 x 12 x 12 in. (61 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm)

ClassificationsArt on Campus Preparatory Studies and Maquettes

Credit LineGift of Wayne Moore and Family. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Art on Campus Preparatory Studies and Maquette Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2007.18ab

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextFrom the University Museums Handbook, vol. 2, 2025: In 1944, Christian Petersen designed larger-than-life sculptures for the two pedestals flanking the stairway in the east lobby of the original Iowa State Library entrance. Petersen’s Library Boy and Girl demonstrates his ability to bring the same inclusive approach to interior sculpture as he applied to his outdoor public works of art. Reflected in the final sculpture, the two figures sit modestly on either side of the stairway entrance, compelling visitors to pass between them. Modeled after Iowa State College students, Petersen also included an element of truthful humor. At first glance, the two appear unassuming and absorbed in their reading, but closer observation reveals they are focused on something else—each other. While their books rest open on their laps and their heads tilt downward, their slight angles convey a subtle yet keen awareness of one another. The gentle sweetness and restrained longing of the pair may have been particularly poignant in 1944, a time when many were separated from loved ones, and the simple joys of a college romance felt distant. By the time Petersen created the final sculptures, many who had been college students were serving their country in World War II. The final sculptures are displayed alongside Grant Wood’s murals Breaking the Prairie Sod and When Tillage Begins, Other Arts Will Follow. These murals represent the origins of Midwestern culture and the impact of land-grant colleges like Iowa State. In response to this theme, Library Boy and Girl humanize the grand historical and educational narratives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Petersen's Library Boy and Girl show that he could apply the same approach to sculpture for an interior as for the out of doors. In the final sculpture, the two students sit modestly on either side of the entrance to a stairway, so that viewers must pass between them whether going into or out of the room. Although at first they seem unassuming and absorbed in their reading, with a little scrutiny, it soon becomes clear that they are actually absorbed in something else -- each other. Although their books are open on their laps and their heads are down, they are also angled slightly so that we sense their sharp awareness of one another. The sweetness and the tempered longing of the couple may have seemed especially point in 1944, when so many were separated from loved ones and the simple pleasure of a college romance seemed very remote in the midst of war.

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