The world’s largest database of Latter-day Saint art just got bigger. The Book of Mormon Art Catalog now includes not only visual art inspired by the Book of Mormon but also art based on Church history, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Since the catalog launched in 2022, it has grown to include more than 8,000 artworks. The website organizes Latter-day Saint art from the 19th century to today and from artists around the globe. Careful research by the Book of Mormon Art Catalog team has brought these pieces together from public and private collections, archives, museums, and the holdings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other branches of the Restoration.
Users of the free website can choose to explore “Book of Mormon Art” or “Restoration History & Scripture Art.” Within each section, the updated website has six helpful browsing categories—1) artist’s name, 2) year of creation, 3) artist’s country, 4) scripture reference, 5) topic, and 6) style or technique.
Both sections also have an advanced search tool with filters to conduct multivariable searches. Here, the same six categories listed above are available, with the addition of filters for figure name, symbols, artist’s gender, church affiliation of the artist, and Church use of the image.
The project is funded with a grant from the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies within the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University. “For over two years now, the Book of Mormon Art Catalog has been a tremendous resource for Saints and scholars around the world,” said Rosalynde F. Welch, Associate Director and Research Fellow at the Maxwell Institute. “I’m thrilled to see this significant expansion of its offerings in the realms of Church history and Restoration scripture. Visual interpretations of sacred texts can be a powerful way to deepen individual scripture study. They are also an essential aid to scripture’s work of creating a unified global Church community centered on the revealed word of God. I’d encourage scholars, parents, teachers, and any serious reader to explore what the Art Catalog has to offer.”
Art historian Jennifer Champoux created the database when she saw a need for a comprehensive repository of Latter-day Saint art. Champoux, who directs the Book of Mormon Catalog, said she hopes the site’s expanded offerings will “further aid scholars in their study of Latter-day Saint visual culture, promote the work of contemporary artists, and provide Church members with a greater variety of tools as they study the scriptures.”
Three BYU undergraduate research assistants have helped locate, research and catalog the new artwork. Grace Truett is studying art history and curatorial studies with minors in global studies and music. Truett said, “Working with the Book of Mormon catalog and studying religious artwork of my own faith has strengthened my testimony in ways I never expected. The pieces I’ve observed have stuck with me and the project allowed me to combine my love for art with my love for the Savior.” Landon Wilson is an art history student with research interests in religious art, Spain and its colonies, and medieval art. Lauryn Platt is studying art history and curatorial studies with a minor in communications. She loves how art can teach and provide a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Lemonade Stand, a digital marketing agency based in Orem, Utah, provided the website design.
Champoux and her team of student research assistants at BYU will continue to add to the catalog. “This is a collaborative, open-ended project that is always growing,” said Champoux. “Already, we have received many helpful submissions of artworks, including some that cannot be found anywhere else online or in print. We welcome suggestions for additional artworks or information.” Suggestions, corrections, or inquires can be sent through the form below.