Portrait in patriotism — Friberg painting of Washington honored at Valley Forge exhibit

This year marks the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War and forced England to recognize the 13 former colonies as free and sovereign United States of America.

In honor of this historic event, the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts and the American Revolution Museum at Valley Forge are holding a special exhibit of art and artifacts. Among the artwork on display is "The Prayer at Valley Forge" by Utahn Arnold Friberg.

Friberg, 94, is the only living artist whose work is being displayed, and he and his wife, Heidi, traveled to Philadelphia earlier this month to attend the opening ceremonies. Dignitaries also in attendance included Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania and Pierre Vimont, ambassador of France. The exhibit runs through Oct. 8.

It is an honor to be included, Friberg said in an interview at his home following his return. "That painting has never been shown in the East," he said. "Yet they are so immersed in the roots of our country there."

The painting, which depicts George Washington kneeling in prayer beside his horse, seeking guidance during a moment of deep despair, was painted by Friberg in 1975, in honor of then-upcoming Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. Tens of thousands of prints of it have been distributed worldwide. The last public display of the actual painting was during the 2002 Winter Olympics, when it was shown at the Utah State Capitol.

It has hung in recent years in the Friberg home. But that may change. In 2011, a museum dedicated solely to the American Revolution is scheduled to open in Valley Forge, and there is a move to have the painting become part of the museum's permanent collection.

"The painting has been appraised at $12 million. Friberg Fine Art Inc. and Providence Forum are currently seeking interested individuals or organizations to purchase this art piece and donate it to this museum," said Peter Dominy, CEO of Friberg Fine Art Inc.

Friberg would like his painting to find a home at Valley Forge. He believes the painting captures the spirit of what occurred in that important, historical place. "All the suffering that went on there, that speaks to the heart," he said. "The painting is only a man with his horse, but there is deeper meaning in it, and people get it right now."

He remembers a time when the painting was lying on the floor at a printer's because they were working on making the prints, and a security guard came by. "He stood and looked at it, and then he said, 'You feel the prayer in his hands.' He got it."