Alternate Title: Prayer
Commission
Oil on canvas, 36×40″, 2004
Licensed in 2012 for use as album artwork for a Christian rock band.
Prints available
See the 2023 explanatory video hosted by the Book of Mormon Art Catalog:
On the BoMArt YouTube channel, on Facebook, or on Instagram. Direct link to the YouTube video.
Portrait of a young man dressed as Captain Moroni. Chosen in his youth to lead his country’s armies, Moroni was valiant, faithful, determined, and true to God, his family, his country, and his religion. From the Book of Mormon, Alma 46: 11-21 and Alma 48:11-17.
One of my Book of Mormon Paintings.
The BoMArt Video Script
(See the video here)
Hello. My name is Lester Yocum. I am a professional illustrator, graphic designer and fine artist, here to talk about my painting, “Young Captain Moroni”.
In 2004, this painting was commissioned by a family to help their 16-year-old son visualize himself as and then emulate one of the Book of Mormon’s greatest heroes. It was given the alternate title “Prayer” when it was licensed in 2012 for use as album artwork for a Christian rock band.
We are introduced to Moroni when he, at age 25, became chief captain over all the Nephite armies, an achievement exceptional enough to be noted in the text.
But logically, he didn’t start there. Moroni had to gradually learn the skills necessary to take command, a point I believe the family who commissioned this painting was trying to impress on their son. I imagine the Chief Captain started out as a teenaged “Private Moroni”, then worked up to sergeant and captain through battle after battle before becoming his nation’s war chief.
But impressive as his warrior history is with all its miracles, drama and humor, Moroni was defined by his spiritual power. He credited God with bringing about his nation’s incredible victories even as he fought and bled beside his fellow soldiers while confronting the enemy leadership and the leaders of his own nation, urging all to serve their Lord to bring about the Nephite victories.
His spiritual side is signified by the flag he created, called the Title of Liberty, waving above a background representing the story written on the Book of Mormon’s golden plates.
The lettering is fancifully inspired by the Anthon Manuscript. The monochromatic color scheme emphasizes the earthiness of this warrior prophet. His pose, the slightly upward photo angle and the lighting are deliberately cinematic, calling to mind the contrast and drama in his life. To his untimely last breath at age 43, 18 years after we first met him, Moroni was truly an authentic hero. Painting this valiant young man was truly an honor.