Trygve Rovelstad
{{short description|American sculptor (1903–1990)}}
{{Infobox artist
| name = Trygve A. Rovelstad
| image =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1903|09|27}}
| birth_place = Elgin, Illinois, U.S.
| baptised =
| death_date = {{death date and age|1990|06|8|1903|09|27}}
| known_for = Sculpture and medal design
}}
File:Elgin (Illinois) Centennial half dollar reverse.jpg]]
Trygve A. Rovelstad (September 27, 1903 – June 8, 1990) was an American sculptor and medal designer.{{cite web
|url=http://www.foxvalleyarts.org/rovelstad.htm
|title=Trygve A. Rovelstad
|publisher=Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame
|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}
Biography
Trygve A. Rovelstad was born in Elgin, Illinois, to Norwegian immigrant parents. Rovelstad first studied at Fabyan Villa art studio on the estate of George Fabyan in Geneva, Illinois. Later he was accepted to work and study at the studio of sculptor Lorado Taft. He also attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and at Beaux-Arts Institute of Design in New York City.{{cite web
|url=http://www.kaneforest.com/historicsites/fabyanVilla.aspx
|title=Fabyan Villa Museum
|publisher=Forest Preserve District of Kane County
|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}
Rovelstad designed medals for the United States War Department, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Occupation of Germany Medal (General John J. Pershing Medal), Unit Blue Citation Badge, Women's Army Corps (WACs) Medal and Insignia Lapel Pins, and the E-Medal. He also designed non-military coins and medals for the United States Mint, the State of Illinois, and other bodies.{{cite web
|url=http://thisoldpalette.blogspot.com/2007/02/trygve-rovelstad.html
|title=Trygve Rovelstad
|publisher=This Old Palette
|date= February 25, 2007
|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}
He was a lifelong resident of Elgin and created several works honoring the city's history. Several of his sculptures are displayed at the Elgin Area Historical Society Museum. His public sculptures include the Pioneer Family Memorial on the east bank of the Fox River and a bust of James Talcott Gifford (1800–1850), founder of Elgin.{{cite web
|url=http://elginchamber.com/community/history/
|title=An Overview of Elgin's History
|publisher=Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce
|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}
Commemorative coin
{{main article|Elgin, Illinois, Centennial half dollar}}
In 1936, the commemorative Elgin Centennial half dollar designed by Rovelstad was issued by the United States Mint. Commemorating the centennial of Elgin, Illinois, the obverse features the profile of a pioneer with the dates "1673 * 1936," while the reverse features a pioneer family (four adults and a baby in its mother's arms). The coin was issued to finance the construction of Trygve Rovelstad's Pioneer Family Memorial.{{cite web
|url=http://www.coinfacts.com/commemoratives/half_dollar_commems/elgin.htm
|title=1936 Elgin Commemorative Half Dollar
|publisher=Collectors Universe, Inc.
|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}{{cite web
|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/11/16/pioneer-still-seeking-elgin-home/
|title=Pioneer Still Seeking Elgin Home
|publisher=Collectors Universe, Inc.
|author=Phil Borchmann
|date=November 16, 1999
|access-date=August 20, 2015}}
{{commons}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/rovelstad/ Pictures of Rovelstad sculptures at Flickr]
- [http://www.worksandwords.com/moneym/elginh.htm Elgin Centennial Half Dollar]
- [http://archives.library.illinois.edu/archon/?p=collections/controlcard&id=2082 Trygve A. Rovelstad Papers, 1922-90 | University of Illinois Archives]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rovelstad, Trygve}}
Category:United States Mint engravers
Category:American people of Norwegian descent
Category:People from Elgin, Illinois
Category:20th-century American sculptors
Category:American male sculptors
Category:Beaux-Arts Institute of Design (New York City) alumni