Study for Nephi Subdues His Rebellious Brothers by Arnold Friberg

Graphite and Pastel on Paper

14 x 14 ¼ in.

One of the most sketched and dynamic figures in Friberg’s Book of Mormon drawings, it seems that the artist was intent on capturing Lemuel, Nephi’s brother, as “the Lord did shake” him. Choosing to show the figure from behind, without registering facial cues, Friberg brilliantly communicates Lemuel’s violent physical reaction as he simultaneously doubles forward and braces himself with the right hand. That these contortions are captured convincingly, is a testament to Friberg’s persistence in working the figure multiple times until it reached this final form.