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One of the country's most famous artists, Utahn Arnold Friberg, is preparing to auction one of his most well-known religious works.
The majesty and awe of the resurrected Jesus Christ are portrayed in Arnold Friberg's "The Light of Christ." The original oil on canvas is now for sale at auction.
The noted American artist says it's what he does, he sells paintings. "You can't hang on forever, put it up. I don't know where it will go, but I hope somewhere where they'll light it right," Friberg said.
Friberg has created a number of religious paintings. In 1950, Adele Cannon Howells commissioned him to paint scenes from The Book of Mormon, which are now in a gallery inside the Conference Center.
"I'm no more religious than anybody else, but except I do it in paint. Most people do it with words. My language is paint," Friberg said.
His most famous painting, "Prayer at Valley Forge," he also hopes to sell. Millions of prints have sold worldwide, and Friberg is looking for a buyer who will donate it to the American Revolution Museum, scheduled to open in 2011.
An artist parting with his treasured masterpieces that are perhaps worth millions. At nearly 95, he says he's still painting, and there are more to come.
"The Light of Christ" painting will be auctioned next Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the McCune Mansion. The event is by invitation only. In order to bid on the painting, either in person or live by phone, a $25,000 deposit is required.
For more information on both Friberg's work and this auction, click the related links to the right of the story.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
