Minerva Teichert Art History

Art historians estimate that Minerva Teichert completed over 300–400 paintings, including oils, murals, studies, and preparatory sketches. Her artwork continues to inspire scholars, members of the Latter-day Saint faith, and lovers of Western and religious art.

The Art and Legacy of Minerva Teichert: A Complete Guide to Her Known Paintings and Murals

Minerva Teichert (1888–1976) is one of the most influential American painters of the 20th century, known for her vivid depictions of pioneer life, religious stories, and Western themes. A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Teichert infused her art with spiritual conviction, historical narrative, and unique artistic expression. Her legacy includes hundreds of paintings, many of which are treasured by museums, religious institutions, and collectors today.

If you're looking for a comprehensive list of Minerva Teichert's paintings, murals, and major works, this guide explores the most well-known pieces attributed to her—including her renowned Book of Mormon murals, religious paintings, Western scenes, and temple works.

Book of Mormon Series: 42 Masterpiece Murals

Between 1949 and 1951, Minerva Teichert completed a monumental series of 42 Book of Mormon murals, now housed in the Brigham Young University Museum of Art (BYU MoA). These large-scale narrative pieces are among her most celebrated contributions to religious art.

Notable works in the Book of Mormon series include:

  • Nephi Bound

  • Nephi, the Builder, Forging Swords

  • Nephi Leads His Followers into the Wilderness

  • The Promised Land

  • Record of the Jaredites

  • The Sacrament

  • Mosiah Interprets the Jaredite Stone

  • Flight

  • King Benjamin's Farewell

  • Ammon Before King Limhi

These murals, painted on masonite, use vibrant color, symbolic gestures, and bold composition to bring scripture to life.

Religious and Western Paintings: Signature Works

Minerva Teichert also created a vast collection of religious and pioneer-themed oil paintings that reflect her unique style and spiritual themes.

Prominent individual works include:

  • Portrait of Sara Kohlhepp (1917)

  • Miracle of the Gulls (1935)

  • Joseph Receives the Plates (1947)

  • Christ in a Red Robe

  • Queen Esther (1939)

  • Rescue of the Lost Lamb

  • Christ with Mary and Martha

  • Cokeville, Wyoming Ward Relief Society Quilters (1932)

  • Brigham Young Offers Prayer Around the Campfire (1954)

  • Dance Before the Departure of the Mormon Battalion

  • Indian Study

  • Night Raid

  • Indian Night Captives

  • Pioneer Wash Day

  • Teichert Homestead, Snake River Bottoms

  • Moving South (1949)

  • Rug Merchants (1935)

These paintings are recognized for their emotional intensity, expressive brushwork, and historical importance. Many are housed in the BYU Museum of Art, the Church History Museum, and private collections.

Mural Works in Temples and Tabernacles

Minerva Teichert contributed her talents to sacred Latter-day Saint (LDS) spaces as well:

Manti Utah Temple (1947)

  • Created murals for the World Room, depicting spiritual and historical themes.

  • Collaborated with Frank Stevens on mural design and execution.

Montpelier, Idaho Tabernacle

  • Painted murals representing scenes from pioneer and scriptural history.

These large-scale works have been carefully preserved and are considered some of her most spiritually significant contributions.

Where to View or Purchase Minerva Teichert's Art

Many of Teichert's works are available to view or purchase as prints through various platforms:

Total Output and Artistic Legacy

Art historians estimate that Minerva Teichert completed over 300–400 paintings, including oils, murals, studies, and preparatory sketches. Her artwork continues to inspire scholars, members of the LDS faith, and lovers of Western and religious art.

Teichert’s work is characterized by:

  • A deep spiritual message

  • Symbolic gesture and expression

  • Strong female figures

  • Stylized and expressive composition

Her paintings are a powerful blend of pioneer strength and religious devotion, and they have become a central part of 20th-century Latter-day Saint visual culture.

  • Minerva Teichert paintings

  • Book of Mormon murals

  • LDS religious artwork

  • Minerva Teichert art prints

  • Minerva Teichert biography

  • Lladro-style religious sculptures

  • BYU Museum of Art Teichert collection

  • Pioneer art in Mormon history

Minerva Teichert’s contributions to religious and Western American art remain unmatched in their scope, scale, and passion. Whether you're an art collector, historian, or admirer, her work continues to uplift and inspire across generations.