Carl Christian Anton ( C.C.A. ) Christensen

C.C.A Christensen is best known for his religious and pioneer art. Because of his artistic training in Denmark he was able to accurately depict the daily pioneer life – making him a valuable visual historian. Most would consider Christensen’s greatest work to be Mormon Panorama. This piece is composed of twenty-two 8’ x 12’ scenes and depicts the history of the LDS church from its early days in New York to the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. Truly, C.C.A Christensen was a tremendous asset to the world of Utah art.

Carl ‘C.C.A’ Christensen was born in Denmark in 1832. He was the son of a poor innkeeper and had little experience with art in his childhood years, however, he was able to receive some former art schooling as a teenager and was also apprenticed to a painter. In 1850, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and made the journey to Utah after serving an LDS mission in his home country.

Christensen’s journey to Utah took him on a fantastic trek across the United States, and he was able to document much of what he saw through art. When he arrived in Utah, Christensen painted set pieces at a local theatre in Salt Lake City, as well as murals for other institutions. In addition to his art-related professions Christensen also worked as a bricklayer, farmer, and at various other jobs to support himself and his wife. Christensen worked on murals in the Manti, Logan, and St. George Temples, and later worked with Dan Weggeland – another accomplished Utah artist – on a series of paintings from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Additionally, Christensen worked as a full-time volunteer in the LDS Church’s history office and was one of the founders of the Utah Art Association. Arguably, Christensen spent more of his time with his family and working for the Church than he did painting. He passed away in July of 1912.