Study of "Nephi and His Wife Hold to the Iron Rod"

Pastel on Paper

163⁄4 x 213⁄4 in.

1 Nephi 8:30-38

Here Friberg creates a scene that is suggested in Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life. Friberg did several versions of what he simply called Lehi’s Vision. Nearly every one includes this couple, whom Friberg identified as “Nephi and his wife,” clinging to the iron rod as they progressed towards the Tree of Life. In this sensitive pastel, Friberg communicates the forward trajectory of the two, their inseparability and cooperation, and, over their shoulders, includes the figure of Lehi helping them move along.