Torture and Transcendence: Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner

In 1952, during the cultural front of the Cold War, an international sculpture competition invited artists to create a monument under the theme "The Unknown Political Prisoner." Among the thousands of entries from all over the world was a surprising entry by Christian Petersen, the Danish-born artist-in-residence at Iowa State College, who throughout his career rarely entered competitions. His decision to enter—and the nature of his sculptural response—offers a compelling glimpse into the intersection of aesthetics, politics, and personal conviction during a charged historical moment.

This lecture, presented by art historian Dr. Lea Rosson DeLong, analyzes Petersen’s sculpted entry, explores the reasons it was rejected, and compares it to the winning design. Petersen’s interpretation was unusual for its time, emphasizing the physical impact of torture while also reflecting on the role of the human spirit in the context of human rights abuse. Although his Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner was rejected, this lecture proposes renewed consideration today and explores Petersen’s little-known submission within the broader framework of this Cold War competition.

You may also like the following events from University Museums, Iowa State University:

• Next Sunday, 7th September, 02:00 pm, 50 Years of Art and Education with Lynette Pohlman in Ames
• Next month, 9th September, 05:00 pm, Curator’s Tour: Christian Petersen’s "Unknown Political Prisoner" in Ames
• Next month, 13th September, 10:00 am, Explore! Glass in the Garden FREE FAMILY EVENT in Ames

Also check out other Arts events in Ames, Contests in Ames.