Harry Anderson
An Art Study created by Karen Rackliffe
Harry Anderson
(1906-
"He keeps close to his Maker, and his own life comes through in his paintings." Wendell Ashton of Church Public Communications.
Harry Anderson was born to Swedish parents in 1906 and enjoyed a secure, happy family life. Young Harry was talented in mathematics and chose it for his college major. As a diversion from academic work he took a painting class. It was there that he discovered his talent and decided to pursue a career in art. After he graduated from Syracuse University, he moved to New York while struggling to turn his art into a career. As his work caught on, he moved to Chicago where he met his future wife Ruth Huebel. They bought a house in Highland Park, hiring a handyman to do necessary repairs. It was through this man that the Anderson's renewed their religious faith. Harry Anderson is a Seventh-day Adventist.
He was a top illustrator in the 40's and 50's for magazines like Collier's, Saturday Evening Post, and Woman's Home Companion. His pastor sent samples of Anderson's work to a religious publishing house where his career in religious art grew. He often represents Christ in a modern setting, focusing on His presence in our lives. Two of his most famous works are "What Happened to Your Hand" and "Prince of Peace."
In the 1960's the LDS church was beginning to use quality illustrative art for displays in Church visitor centers. They commissioned Harry Anderson to create a large mural of Christ ordaining the apostles for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Through the following years, Anderson completed more than two dozen original paintings of Old and New Testament themes. Many were placed in the visitor's center on Salt Lake City's Temple Square. Some of his murals are rendered by copyists, who enlarge the paintings from his smaller, original paintings. The large mural in the Church Office Building known as "Go Ye Therefore" was painted by Grant Romney Clawsen from a painting by Harry Anderson. Similarly, the well known painting" The Second Coming" has been reproduced as a large mural in several temples and visitor centers.
He portrays Christ as compassionate, noble, strong and confident. The many reproductions of his work have helped to shape the feelings of many about the Savior. His wife commented "Harry Anderson would include himself among 'plain American people.' But on the other hand he has helped a lot of other people rise above their level, to lift their sights above their problems. Through his brush he has introduced them to the Savior he knows, the compassionate yet capable Jesus.(Raymond Woolsey and Ruth Anderson, Harry Anderson: The Man Behind the Paintings [Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1976], 125). Others describe Anderson as a quiet unassuming man who did not revel in the many honors and awards he received. To him, serving God through high quality art was enough.
More information can be found about Harry Anderson at These additional pictures may be found on the inside or outside covers of past Ensigns: "Wisemen and Star" December 1990; "No Room at the Inn" December 1982; "Woman of Samaria" March 1987; "They Thrust Him Out of the City" February 1987; "Render Unto Caesar That Which is Caesar's" August 1987. The May 1994 issue features many of his paintings.
Eighteen Pictures in the Gospel Art Picture Kit
Music from the LDS hymnal and the Children's Songbook:
#102 Building the Ark Genesis 6-7; Moses 8
"and it came to pass that Noah called upon the children of men that they should repent; but they hearkened not unto his word." Moses 8:20
Hymn #21 "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice"
Children's Songbook p.110 "Follow the Prophet"
#108 Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry Exodus 4:10, 14-16, 27; 5:1; 7:9; 8:6-17; 16:1-2; 24:9-10; 28:1-24; 40:12-16
"And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." Exodus 40:12-13
" And the Lord confirmed priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God." Doctrine and Covenants 84:18
Hymn #321 "Ye Who Are Called to Labor"
#111 Boy Samuel Called by the Lord 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20
"the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I." 1 Samuel 3:4
Hymn #143 "Let the Holy Spirit Guide"
Hymn #7 "Israel, Israel, God Is Calling"
Hymn #302 "I Know My Father Lives"
Children's Songbook p.110 "Follow the Prophet"
#113 Isaiah Writes of Christ's Birth Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
"For Unto Us a Child Is Born" from the Messiah
Children's Songbook p.34 "He Sent His Son"
Children's Songbook p. 41 "Once Within a Lowly Stable"
#208 John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; Joseph Smith's Translation, Matthew 3:44-46
"And John went down into the water and baptized him. And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and John saw, and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Jesus. And lo, he heard a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him." Joseph Smith's Translation, Matthew 3:44-46
Hymn #116 "Come Follow Me"
Hymn #96 "Dearest Children, God is Near You"
Children's Songbook p.100 "Baptism"
Children's Songbook p.102 "When Jesus Christ Was Baptized"
Children's Songbook p.76 "This Is My Beloved Son"
#209 Calling of the Fishermen Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11
"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:18-19
Hymn #116 "Come Follow Me"
Children's Songbook p.162 "I Will Be Valiant"
#211 Christ Ordaining the Apostles Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; John 15:16
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are build upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone." Ephesians 2:19-21
" Yea, even twelve; and the Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart. And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature." Doctrine and Covenants 18:27-29
Hymn #85 "How Firm A Foundation"
Hymn #131 "More Holiness Give Me"
Hymn #220 "Lord, I Would Follow Thee"
Hymn #243 "Let Us All Press On"
#212 Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5-7
The Beatitudes "And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5:2-11
Hymn #308 "Love One Another" Children's Songbook with sign language p.136
Hymn #125 "How Gentle God's Commands"
Hymn #107 "Lord, Accept Our True Devotion"
Children's Songbook p.61 "Jesus Said Love Everyone"
Children's Songbook p.78 "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus"
#216 Christ and the Children Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Mark 10:14-16
Hymn #96 "Dearest Children, God Is Near You"
Hymn #301 "I Am a Child of God"
Hymn #304 "Teach Me To Walk In the Light"
Children's Songbook p.56 "I Think When I Read That Sweet Story"
#223 Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-15 Fulfillment of the prophesy stated in Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
Hymn #69 "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" text written in 760-821 AD, music 1584-1635 AD.
Hymn #67 "Glory to God On High"
Children's Songbook p.66 "Hosanna"
#227 Jesus Praying in Gethsemane Matthew 26:36-45; Mark 14:32-41; Luke 22:40-46; John 18:1
"Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42
"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; which suffering caused myself, even God to tremble because of the pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit-- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-- Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19
Hymn #188 "Thy Will, O Lord, Be Done"
Hymn #195 "How Great the Wisdom and the Love"
Children's Songbook p.34 "He Sent His Son"
#230 The Crucifixion Matthew 27:33-50; Mark 15:22-37; Luke 23:32-46; John 19:17-37
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:14-16
"Jesus Christ your Redeemer, . . .who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God." Doctrine and Covenants 34:1-3
"And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." Luke 23:46
Hymn #184 "Upon the Cross of Calvary"
Hymn #187 "God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son"
Hymn #191 "Behold the Great Redeemer Die"
Hymn #194 "There is a Green Hill Far Away"
Hymn #197 "O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown"
Children's Songbook p.65 "He Died That We Might Live Again"
#233 Mary and the Resurrected Lord John 20:10-18
"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." John 20:16-17
Hymn #200 "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
Children's Songbook p.64 "Did Jesus Really Live Again?"
#234 Jesus Shows His Wounds Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-20, 24
"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." John 20:29
Hymn #199 "He Is Risen!"
Hymn #136 "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
Children's Songbook p.73 "Help Us, O God, To Understand"
#235 Go Ye Therefore Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20
Hymn #263 "Go Forth With Faith"
Hymn #243 "Let Us All Press On"
Children's Songbook p.169 "I Hope They Call Me On a Mission"
#236 The Ascension of Jesus Acts 1:3-11
"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:9-11
Hymn #152 "God Be With You Till We Meet Again"
Children's Songbook p.105 "The Holy Ghost"
#238 The Second Coming, #239 The Second Coming (close-up) Malachi 4:1; Matthew 24:30, 36; Acts 1:11; Doctrine and Covenants 5:19; 29:11, 13; 88:96-97; 133:10, 20, 25, 48-49
"For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand." Doctrine and Covenants 29:11
"And the Lord shall be red in his apparel, and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine-vat. And so great shall be the glory of his presence that the sun shall hide his face in shame, and the moon shall withhold its light, and the stars shall be hurled from their places. And his voice shall be heard: I have trodden the wine-press alone, and have brought judgment upon all people; and none were with me; and I have trampled them in my fury, and I did tread upon them in mine anger, and their blood have I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all my raiment; for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart. And now the year of my redeemed is come; and they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them according to his goodness, and according to his loving kindness, forever and ever." Doctrine and Covenants 133:48 ( see the Delwin Parson portrait "Jesus the Christ" #240)
Hymn #52 "The Day Dawn Is Breaking"
Hymn #55 "Lo, the Mighty God Appearing!"
Hymn #58 "Come Ye Children of the Lord"
Hymn #59 "Come, O Thou King of Kings"
Hymn #67 "Glory to God on High"
Hymn #68 "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" Martin Luther 1483-1546
Children's Songbook p.82 "When He Comes Again"
Study Suggestions
Many of Harry Anderson's paintings have been enlarged to create huge wall murals. Try your hand at enlarging one of his pictures. Photocopy the picture you want to enlarge. Draw a grid on the photocopy, dividing the picture into 1 inch squares. Then pencil in a similar, but larger grid on your mural surface. Then draw the contents of each grid square in the corresponding square of the mural. After the drawing is complete, paint. If you don't have a wall in your home to donate to this project, an inside garage wall may be available, or squares of paper taped together, or opened refrigerator boxes. You may want to enlarge only a portion of a picture as is done in pictures #238 and #239. Even if you only the enlarge the picture to double the size, you will learn a lot from this art/math exercise.
Plan a trip to Temple Square to see some of Anderson's murals. Or find a mural display in your town by another mural artist.
The crowds in Anderson's pictures are interesting. You can almost imagine what the crowd is saying in the picture of "Building the Ark" #102. What are the differing feelings expressed by the individuals in the crowd at the Crucifixion #230? What about the people in Triumphal Entry #223?
Pull out all of the pictures of Christ and mix them up. See if the children can place them in time-line order.
Anderson is an illustrator, a teaching artist. What is he trying to teach in each picture? What is he trying to "illustrate" or "show" to the viewer? How do his illustrations add to our understanding of the scriptures?
Discuss Harry Anderson's image of "The Second Coming" #239 and how it compares to the portrait by Delwin Parson "Jesus the Christ" #240. The second picture has replaced the Harry Anderson picture as the Church's official image of Christ. Why do you think that is so? Is it possible that another official portrait may be adopted in the future? Many artists throughout the centuries have tried to paint the face of Christ, to "see" him. How do you "see" Him in your mind? What would your portrait of the Savior look like?
As I tried to choose songs and scripture verses to coordinate with these pictures, I had a very difficult time narrowing those choices down to one. Feel free to search for your own favorite verses and songs. These merely represent some of my favorites that are meaty enough to warrant copying, discussing, and memorizing.
Don't forget to do narrations, memory pictures, and copy work from this artist.
Copyright 2002 School of Abraham. All rights reserved.
