Deseret News | Reader comments: Portrait in patriotism — Friberg painting of Washington honored at Valley Forge exhibit

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

Greg Johnson | 1:08 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Mr. Friberg is a great national treasure and his patriotic passion is a wonderful compliment to this fine man! Long after he is gone, his work will continue to affirm that America is a nation founded upon the power of prayer and a belief in the God of Holy Scipture, the Bible. Mr. Friberg,well done Sir, well done!

Greg Johnson
Standing Together

Anonymous | 6:50 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I have a copy of Friberg's painting of Washington praying at Valley Forge. It sits in my office, adorned on my wall. The only problem with this lovely picture is it's not true. A Quaker merchant from the 19th c. made it up, and historians are well aware of this. For me, the value of the painting is not its accuracy but why someone would feel inclined to make it up.

I can't look at that painting | 7:19 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

without being completely awe struck at the deep spiritual roots and dependence upon God that the founders of this country had. I feel more inspired to keep God in my life as I decide what it is that I should do for my community and country. I pray that leaders such as Washington would come back to reestablish the faith and strength that this country was founded upon.

Thank you Mr. Friberg. That painting is a treasure in my home.

Comments continue below

Carma | 7:35 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

A print of this painting has hung in our house for years. We have given a print to all our grown children who have also learned to love it. It is inspirational, uplifting and plants in my heart a love for all our founding fathers and the miracle they wrought in Pennsylvania.

to Anonymous @ 6:50 AM | 8:13 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Oh, really? It's not true?

Then what of the accounts of Isaac Potts, born in 1752, who lived in the area of Valley Forge in 1777? He reports hearing a voice in the woods and discovered Washington praying. He reported this to his wife and family. Several people, in later years, interviewed Isaac Potts to get his story. These included friends of Potts, biographers preparing books on George Washington, and scholars researching the validity of the story. They include Mason Locke Weems, Devault Beaver, Dr. James Ross Snowden, and Benson J. Lossing. Even General Knox, a military associate of Washington, reported that George Washington used the grove at Valley Forge to pray.

(continued...)

Doug S | 9:10 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Anonymous, if you're referring to the text of the document entitled "Prayer at Valley Forge", you may be right.

If you're trying to tell us all that Washington *never once* bowed in prayer during his six months at Valley Forge--good luck trying to prove that one.

Anon | 9:28 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I love the painting and sense the feeling of Washington's reliance on the power of God to survive the terrible Valley Forge winter and the overwhelming power of the British.
I have only one problem with the painting. The cinch, the purpose of which is to secure the saddle to the horse, is under the saddle blanket instead of on top of the saddle blanket. I could never figure out how it could be attached to the saddle in this configuration.

Re: Anon | 1:13 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

the cinch and the fact that horse depicted is a quarter horse - a breed which did not exist at that time. Washington's horse was one of the few Arabian [or part Arabian] in the colonies at the time [and was nearly as famous as its master]. The riding horse of that era is known as the Saddlebred today.

Arnold Friberg | 3:54 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

is a Utah and National Treasure. I have known him most of my adult life. He loves his country and I love his art. He elevates life and horoism to a grand scale. Best wishes to you Arnold. Thanks for getting up in the middle of the night to help me clean up the flood in my basement. Arnold Friberg cares about things both great and small. Paint another great picture, you still have talent and patriotism coursing through your veins. Love Ya...

RE: Anonymous at 6:50 AM | 4:11 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

[for some reason, DN didn't post this along with my other 1/2... So, I'm trying again]

(ï¿½continued)
You can find this in "Life of Washington," from scholar Marcus Cunliffe, editor, (this book, though out of print, is a feature in the John Harvard Library and can be found in public libraries). Also, "Christianity and the Constitution," written by John Eidsmore, a non-LDS Christian (this book is still in print).

Even George Washington himself, in his writings, wrote about the dire circumstances at Valley Forge and his subsequent prayers. (See "The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources," volume 11, editor John C. Fitzpatrick.)

Respectfully,

Chris F.

ER | 5:50 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Hey Chris F., Thanks and well done. Factual, but not argumentative. A good posting. More importantly, good info.

artnut | 9:43 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Arnold Friberg will be ranked with all of the great masters of our times going back to the great revival. I don't recall if he was knighted by the queen or not. He should have been. there is one thing that stands out in my mind about Friberg...He paints no Wimps!

Robert Rumel | 10:04 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Mr. Arnold Friberg is a greatly appreciated artist and a noble man. Anyone who has had the honor to meet Mr. Friberg knows he is treasure. Thank you Mr. Friberg for sharing with us your talents.

Ernest Hemple | 11:51 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I hope Mr. Friberg lives until he is 120 and continues to bless our nation and our church with his phenomenal talent. I, like many others, enjoy the beauty of his rich art. I have several prints, a few which he has signed. I doubt if he realizes just how appreciative we as members of the church are of his great contribution to our faith. Thank you, you have blessed us all. May God extent your days and may you continue to have clarity, good health and the energy and drive to continue to add to your great legacy.

Love Arnold! | 1:11 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008

The only thing more wonderful than a Friberg painting is Friberg himself. Those lucky enough to have met him know what I mean. I'm completely agnostic. I don't quite derive the same feelings from this particular image as some of the others who've posted here. But back to Arnold...he delivers such passion in paint and in person that I'm a fan of whatever he does.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.