Walter Rane (American, b. 1949)
My Parents Suffered Much
Oil on board
24 x 36 in.
Framed: 29 x 41 in.
Walter Rane is widely recognized for his expressive religious paintings, which merge classical composition with a contemporary, painterly sensibility. Educated at Brigham Young University and the Art Students League of New York, Rane developed a style characterized by luminous color, fluid brushwork, and a focus on spiritual narrative. His work often explores themes drawn from scripture, presenting sacred subjects with immediacy and emotional depth.
This painting draws upon the account of Lehi and Sariah in the Book of Mormon. Having left Jerusalem to follow divine command, the family endures uncertainty and hardship in the wilderness. When their sons are sent back to Jerusalem on a perilous mission, Sariah’s fear and doubt stand in contrast to Lehi’s steadfast faith. Their eventual safe return restores her confidence, underscoring a deeply human journey of trial, questioning, and renewed belief.
Rane’s composition centers on an intimate, emotional exchange between husband and wife. The softly glowing Liahona—held between them—becomes both a literal and symbolic source of guidance, illuminating their faces and reinforcing the theme of faith directing one’s path. Through rich, warm tones and expressive brushwork, the artist conveys the quiet strength and tenderness that emerge through shared suffering and devotion.
