Bust of F. L. Grundtvig
Advocate for preserving Danish heritage in America
This bust depicts Frederik Lange Grundtvig, the son of the theologian N. F. S. Grundtvig. It was made by Jes Smidt, a skilled carpenter and painter who met F. L. Grundtvig while Grundtvig was a priest in Clinton, Iowa.
F. L. Grundtvig immigrated to the U.S. in 1881, after N. F. S. Grundtvig’s death. He immigrated because his sorrow for his father’s death was too much to bear, and he had to “get a hold of himself” by leaving Denmark. F. L. Grundtvig spread his father’s teachings, which had already taken a strong hold in Denmark, among Danish immigrant communities. F. L. Grundtvig advocated for the preservation of Danish heritage and way of life. He helped establish Danish communities in Tyler, Minnesota and Danevang, Texas. Like the “Happy Danes,” Grundtvig tried to preserve Danish heritage by secluding Danish immigrants so that their culture would not mix with other immigrant groups. He felt as if he failed and returned to Denmark in 1900.
Bust of F. L. Grundtvig
Clinton, Iowa, USA
Before 1900
Plaster
Gift of Edwin Pedersen
1989.149.003a
Painting by Jes Smidt
The painting was painted by Jes Smidt, the same man who created the bust of F. L. Grundtvig. It was based on a photograph taken in Denmark of Jes Smidt’s brother and step grandmother.
