Shadows of the Lost Pages

Technique & Style

Figurative, Painting

Figures

Joseph Smith

Symbols

cave, darkness

Notes

Artist statement: "In my painting, Shadows of the Lost Pages, I wanted to depict a moment in early Church history that is often mentioned, but rarely visualized: Martin Harris’s sorrow after the loss of the 116 pages of translated manuscript. I was inspired by other religious artwork and realized how few show Martin Harris—even though he played such a significant role in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. In this scene, Martin has fallen to his knees, filled with regret for the decision to share the pages with his family. It’s a moment of deep personal anguish, but also a turning point. Though he is surrounded by darkness, there is still light around him—symbolizing God’s mercy, the hope of redemption, and the truth that even when we make mistakes, we are not beyond the reach of divine grace. This piece is meaningful to me because it shows that spiritual growth often comes through struggle. Martin’s mistake didn’t stop God’s work—and that gives me hope. Although it is not a depiction of a story within the Book of Mormon, it is a story of the Book of Mormon. I used acrylic on canvas to emphasize the emotional contrast and texture in the scene."

Commissioned Status

Submitted to the 2025 Book of Mormon Art Contest

Church Name

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints