Sculpture
Author: University Museums, Iowa State University (Iowa State University)
Statue of draped figure strapped to a vertical slab, with his back to the viewer. Proposal for international competition on the theme of "Unknown Political Prisoner."
Keywords: Sculpture, War
How to Cite: University Museums, Iowa State University (2024) “Unknown Political Prisoner”, Christian Petersen Catalogue Raisonné. 1951(2).
1951–52
plaster
Dimensions
15 1/2 x 17 3/8 x 9 3/8in.
39.4 x 44.1 x 23.8cm
Description
Statue of draped figure strapped to a vertical slab, with his back to the viewer. Proposal for international competition on the theme of "Unknown Political Prisoner."
Markings
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Provenance/Location
Alternate Title(s)
Unknown Prisoner
A competition for a sculpture on the theme of a monument to the "Unknown Political Prisoner" was announced in the US by the Museum of Modern Art (NY) in 1952 and in December of that year, the jury had reached a decision and it was announced early in 1953. Reg Butler, a British sculptor, won with an abstracted design. Christian Petersen of Gilbert, Iowa is listed as having submitted a maquette to the committee. On page 6 of the list, it says there were 193 entries. On another list, it indicates that there were 306. The closing date for submissions in the US was June 1, 1952, so Petersen would have made his maquette before that.
The competition was sponsored by the Institute of Contemporary Art in London, who announced it in January, 1952 and the competition for American artists was managed by MOMA. There were a total 5700 entries from 57 countries. The maximum height for the maquettes was 18", and it was assumed that the actual monument would be on a larger scale. MOMA held an exhibition of some of the American entries Jan. 28–Feb. 8, 1953. An exhibition of other entries was held at the Tate in London March 14–April 30, 1953.
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