The drawing of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been a subject of intrigue and fascination for many. While there are no authenticated portraits of Smith during his lifetime, several drawings and paintings have been created based on descriptions and accounts from those who knew him. This article explores the history, significance, and various interpretations of the drawing of Joseph Smith.

Early Descriptions and the First Portrait

In the early years of the LDS Church, there were no photographs, and descriptions of Joseph Smith's appearance were varied. One of the earliest descriptions came from Orson Hyde, who described Smith as having "a large, robust, and well-proportioned frame, standing about five feet ten or eleven inches high, with a countenance which would indicate intelligence and good sense."

The first known portrait of Joseph Smith was created in 1842 by Ferdinand Petrie, based on a sitting with Smith. This portrait, now housed in the Church History Library in Salt Lake City, is one of the most iconic representations of Smith. It depicts him with a strong jaw, high forehead, and intense gaze, reflecting the charismatic and visionary leader that Smith was perceived to be.

a black and white drawing of a man writing on a piece of paper with a candle in the background
a black and white drawing of a man writing on a piece of paper with a candle in the background

Other Interpretations and Variations

Truman Angell's Drawing

In 1876, Truman O. Angell, a prominent architect and early LDS convert, created a drawing of Joseph Smith based on his personal recollections. Angell depicted Smith with a more rounded face and softer features than Petrie's portrait, reflecting his own memory of Smith's appearance.

Artistic Interpretations

Throughout the years, many artists have created their own interpretations of Joseph Smith's likeness. Some, like C.C.A. Christensen, have depicted Smith in idealized, heroic poses, reflecting the reverence and admiration many Latter-day Saints hold for their founder. Others, like Walter R. Foster, have created more naturalistic portraits, seeking to capture Smith's essence as a man of his time.

The Significance of the Drawing of Joseph Smith

The drawing of Joseph Smith holds significant cultural and historical importance for Latter-day Saints. It serves as a visual reminder of their faith's origins and the man who founded their religion. It also offers a glimpse into the early years of the LDS Church and the diverse ways in which Smith was perceived by those who knew him.

Media Library
Media Library

Moreover, the drawing of Joseph Smith has played a role in the broader cultural narrative of America. It has been reproduced in countless books, magazines, and other media, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about Smith's life, legacy, and the religious movement he founded.

Authenticity and Controversies

Despite the numerous drawings and portraits of Joseph Smith, there is no single, authenticated portrait of him. This has led to ongoing debates and controversies among historians, art historians, and Latter-day Saints about the true likeness of their founder. Some argue that the Petrie portrait is the most accurate representation, while others maintain that Smith's appearance was more accurately captured in other drawings.

This lack of a definitive portrait has also led to speculation and conspiracy theories about Smith's appearance and identity. Some have suggested that Smith may have looked quite different from the portraits that exist, while others have proposed that Smith may have been misidentified in some of the existing drawings.

a pencil drawing of a man wearing a bow tie
a pencil drawing of a man wearing a bow tie

Legacy and Influence

The drawing of Joseph Smith has had a lasting influence on LDS art and culture. It has inspired countless artists to create their own interpretations of Smith's likeness, contributing to the rich visual tradition of the LDS Church. It has also played a role in shaping the public's perception of Smith and the LDS faith.

Today, the drawing of Joseph Smith continues to be a subject of study, debate, and veneration. As the LDS Church continues to grow and evolve, so too does the legacy of its founder, as reflected in the many drawings and portraits that seek to capture his likeness and legacy.

José Smith
José Smith
Joseph Smith Portrait
Joseph Smith Portrait
a drawing of a young boy holding a book in front of a podium with a microphone
a drawing of a young boy holding a book in front of a podium with a microphone
a man sitting on the ground with his legs crossed
a man sitting on the ground with his legs crossed
JOSEPH SMITHHH😭😭😭😭😭
JOSEPH SMITHHH😭😭😭😭😭
a coloring page with the words i will honor the names of heaven and jesus christ
a coloring page with the words i will honor the names of heaven and jesus christ
a black and white drawing of a man's face with the words joseph smith on it
a black and white drawing of a man's face with the words joseph smith on it
brother smith my beloved prophet,,,,🌹🌹
brother smith my beloved prophet,,,,🌹🌹
I LOVE U JOSEPH SMITH🌹🌹
I LOVE U JOSEPH SMITH🌹🌹
Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored
Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored
Joseph Smith and the Plates: 9 Latter-day Saint Artwork Pieces
Joseph Smith and the Plates: 9 Latter-day Saint Artwork Pieces
How Joseph Smith and the Early Mormons Challenged American Democracy
How Joseph Smith and the Early Mormons Challenged American Democracy
an image of a man holding a book in front of the sky and trees with his hands out
an image of a man holding a book in front of the sky and trees with his hands out
an old black and white photo of a man holding a book
an old black and white photo of a man holding a book
Joseph Smith drawing | First Vision Drawing | Joseph Smith Reading Bible | boy reading book | Boy Reading Bible | Child reading | LDS Art
Joseph Smith drawing | First Vision Drawing | Joseph Smith Reading Bible | boy reading book | Boy Reading Bible | Child reading | LDS Art
a painting of a man in a black suit and white shirt
a painting of a man in a black suit and white shirt
Joseph Smith History 1:1-26
Joseph Smith History 1:1-26
THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH SMITH “My feelings at the present time are that, inasmuch as the Lord Almighty has preserved me until today, He will continue to preserve me, by the united faith and prayers of the Saints, until I have fully accomplished my mission in this life, and so firmly established the dispensation of the fullness of the priesthood in the last days, that all the powers of earth and hell can never prevail against it.” Medieval Woodcut Clouds, Clouds Engraving Illustration, Joseph Smith First Vision Art, Joseph Smith Statue, Woodcut Style Illustration, Engraving Clouds, Woodcut Clouds, Joseph Smith First Vision, Joseph Smith First Vision Artwork
THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH SMITH “My feelings at the present time are that, inasmuch as the Lord Almighty has preserved me until today, He will continue to preserve me, by the united faith and prayers of the Saints, until I have fully accomplished my mission in this life, and so firmly established the dispensation of the fullness of the priesthood in the last days, that all the powers of earth and hell can never prevail against it.” Medieval Woodcut Clouds, Clouds Engraving Illustration, Joseph Smith First Vision Art, Joseph Smith Statue, Woodcut Style Illustration, Engraving Clouds, Woodcut Clouds, Joseph Smith First Vision, Joseph Smith First Vision Artwork
Joseph
Joseph
an image of two men in the woods with words written below them that read, the appearance of god, the father and his son jesus christ
an image of two men in the woods with words written below them that read, the appearance of god, the father and his son jesus christ
a painting of a man holding a book
a painting of a man holding a book