When you read about the stripling warriors, is this the image that comes to mind?
If so, you’re not alone! This is one of 12 paintings that are famous for being published inside copies of the Book of Mormon and displayed in meetinghouses all over the world since the 1950s.
They’re the work of Latter-day Saint artist Arnold Friberg. Outside of the Church, he’s known for painting scenes from American history and for helping filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille design the set for the movie The 10 Commandments.
But before going to Hollywood, the Friend magazine hired Friberg to paint detailed pictures of Book of Mormon stories! His paintings were published in the magazine, which was called the Children’s Friend back then.
Friberg did a lot of research and worked with Church leaders to make sure the pictures were as accurate as possible.
You can see all his Book of Mormon artwork in the Gospel Artbook. And if you’re ever around Salt Lake City, you can see the original paintings in person in the Church Conference Center!
Find a Fave
Notes
Read the full story in Saints Vol. 3, Chapter 34.
See also Insight into Arnold Friberg’s Book of Mormon paintings, Deseret News, 21 May 2012.