Wood-Carved Panel – Laurentian Scene

This 3-D carved wooden panel was created by Peter Wedin in 1935.

Peter immigrated to Minnesota in 1923 from Sweden. He worked as a wood carver in a Minneapolis furniture factory until 1930, moved to Canada, and returned to Minneapolis in 1943. He had studied portrait and landscape painting in Sweden prior to immigration. Peter exhibited his carvings at exhibits across the United State, at the American Swedish Institute, and the Minnesota State Fair, winning many prizes.

In this Laurentian scene, notice the fine carving that includes late-afternoon shadows and the details of the clothing. The date on the carving indicates he was living in Canada when this piece was created.

The Laurentian Shield (sometimes referred to as the Canadian Shield) is a large geological area that extends over most of eastern Canada. The Laurentian Mountains are one of the oldest mountain regions in the world, ranging from 3,000 to 3,905 feet high and consisting of Precambrian rocks. This heavily-forested area has many lakes and rivers and supports large-scale lumbering, pulp- and paper-milling, and mining operations.