Arnold Friberg painted a quiet General George Washington praying in the snow at Valley Forge and illustrated the Ten Commandments for Cecil B. DeMille’s film. In his work, he was able to merge historical and religious narratives with emotional depths, capturing the humanity in larger-than-life scenes.
Forging of a Nation, 1941, oil on canvas, 31¼ x 25½ in.
In September, the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, opens Arnold Friberg: Painting Faith, Freedom and the American Spirit, an exhibition celebrating the American illustrator and painter known for his dramatic, historical and religious artwork. Visitors will have the chance to view 40 works spanning Friberg’s career—experiencing his storytelling and timeless visions up close.
“It is an honor to present the remarkable artwork of Arnold Friberg, whose paintings continue to inspire generations through their beauty, conviction and storytelling,” said Lisa Wheeler, Booth director of curatorial services.
“While many people recognize Arnold Friberg for his American masterpiece, The Prayer at Valley Forge, the Booth’s exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of his artistic legacy. This remarkable collection—drawn from his private works—includes numerous pieces being presented to the public for the first time.”
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, ca. 1948, gouache, 10 x 14 in.
While Friberg’s painting of George Washington is among his most reproduced and widely recognized works of art, it won’t be part of the exhibit. However, a print of the painting and another preliminary painting used in its creation will be on display.
The exhibit aims to highlight the full breadth of his work. “We selected pieces that encompassed a broad section of Friberg’s career,” says Wheeler. “There is a self-portrait, illustrations from his commercial work, several Western and Native American scenes, a few Americana images like Uncle Sam and Abraham Lincoln and a few genre paintings of everyday life.”
Through the exhibition, visitors won’t only be immersed in the dramatic stories playing out across the canvas but will gain a sense of who the artist behind the work was. Curators have compiled details about Friberg’s childhood in Arizona and his early onset artistic talent and his time at the Grand Central School of Art in New York, where he studied with Norman Rockwell under the instruction of Artist Harvey Dunn.
Conversing on the Park Bench, oil on board, 20 x 28 in.
Knowledge of Friberg’s military service during World War II, where he continued to refine his artistic skill as he was a part of the US Army Air Corps, fighting on the front lines and using his talent to draw maps, helps inform visitors of why he was drawn to patriotic themes in his art, like the painting Forging of a Nation.
He saw commercial success when he was hired by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille as a visual consultant and costume designer for the 1956 film The Ten Commandments. His detailed paintings influenced the film’s visual style and went on to shape its enduring image in pop culture.
His First Ride, oil on canvas, 25¼ x 40½ in.
Yet, despite the success, Friberg never strayed from the themes of faith, courage, patriotism and moral strength. He occupies a unique space in American illustration—able to balance fine art with cinematic storytelling.
Arnold Friberg: Painting Faith, Freedom and the American Spirit is on loan from First Freedom Art and opens September 19, 2026, and runs through January 10, 2027. An exclusive member opening will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, including a gallery wall and reception. —
Arnold Friberg: Painting Faith, Freedom and the American Spirit
September 19, 2026-January 10, 2027
Booth Wester Art Museum
501 N. Museum Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120
(770) 387-2833 www.boothmuseum.org
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