Arnold Friberg (American, 1913–2010)
The Ten Commandments (Paramount, 1956), Yul Brynner "Rameses" Character Concept Artwork
Oil on art board
26 x 17¾ in.
This early character concept presents Rameses at the height of his authority—physically imposing, richly adorned, and supremely confident. Friberg emphasizes command through posture and scale: the rigid stance, squared shoulders, and firm grip convey absolute control, while the leopard skin and regalia assert royal dominance. The figure is not yet burdened by consequence; instead, he embodies the unchallenged power described in the film’s earliest script stages.
Produced for Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 epic, this painting played a critical role in shaping how Rameses—portrayed by Yul Brynner—would be visualized on screen. Friberg’s concept work helped distill historical research into a cinematic archetype, guiding costume, posture, and presence. This very painting appears as a full-page illustration in Cecil B. DeMille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic (2014), underscoring its importance within the visual development of the film.
