Since the sixteenth century, European art precedents have had an immense influence on American art. This selection of essays examines how this has affected relations among artists who sought refuge from discrimination by traveling to Europe while engaging with canonical sources in Europe. As World War II raged on, fourteen painters left Europe for America as political refugees. When engaged with European art they offered both full-throated support as well as subtler interpretations. John Trumbull John Trumbull’s paintings grace the walls of numerous American museums, while his portrait of Alexander Hamilton found on the ten-dollar bill has been studied by generations of children. While Trumbull may be most widely recognized…

The Book of Mormons is an account of Christ’s ministry to ancient America, recounting stories like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in the Lion’s Den, along with teachings on faith and His role as Redeemer for all humanity. Text may be confusing to some readers due to its nonchronological structure. For instance, Mormon jumped back and forth between Nephi’s first-person account of events and Nephi & Jacob’s personal diaries from Mormon’s interpretation of another record. It Testifies of Jesus The Book of Mormon was intended to demonstrate to both Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Eternal God manifesting himself to all nations (Book of Mormon…

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir may be well-known, but there are other Latter-day Saint musicians whose work remains relatively obscure outside church circles. Utah composers have produced high-art piano sonatas and symphonies while Leroy Robertson and Crawford Gates favored cinematic styles that featured Neoromanticism in their compositions. Mormon Music can also take the form of rock and alternative tunes; read on to gain more knowledge on Mormon Music! History Music has long been part of Mormonism, from its humble roots as performed by pioneers to more sophisticated works composed by Leigh Harline and Crawford Gates who left Utah and studied abroad at conservatories to create more distinctive voices within Mormonism. The…

The Book of Mormon recounts a family led by Lehi that left Jerusalem around 600 b.c. for America where, following disagreement amongst themselves, two factions emerged – Lamanites and Nephites. This book includes sacred records and Jesus Christ’s visit to the ancestors of modern Mormons. Many Latter-day Saints read and study this book for spiritual guidance from its truths. What is the Book of Mormon? The Book of Mormon is an ancient text, representing Jesus Christ and the full scope of his gospel message. As such, it forms an integral part of Church doctrine, helping its members become more like Him through its teachings. According to its teachings, today the…

Mormons have enjoyed many successful musical careers. Some, like David Archuleta and BYU Vocal Point, are well known to audiences while others remain more obscure. Even those musicians who make explicit references to Mormon history and scripture tend to work within musical genres without obvious sonic markers that recall its history. The Killers Brandon Flowers of The Killers is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has spoken openly about his religious affiliation and frequently references it in the lyrics of his songs. The Killers began in 2002 and currently comprise a lineup composed of singer Flowers, guitarist Dave Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and…

Mormon artists have the chance to influence their faith’s theology through art, as evidenced by how Heavenly Mother is depicted in pieces created for Mormon faith groups. While many Mormon artists such as Friberg and Anderson created works that dramatized church history, some contemporary artists are taking an alternative approach. They have begun creating images of Heavenly Mother in various locations, body types, and roles. Art as a vehicle for teaching Mormons view art not only as a means of worship but also as an educational tool. The Church encourages artists to create works that illustrate Jesus Christ’s Gospel while also seeking to educate its members about these forms of…