Rescue of the Lost Lamb
One of Minerva Teichert's most renowned works of art is "Rescue of the Lost Lamb." Minerva Teichert portrays the Savior’s parable of the lost lamb in her painting Rescue of the Lost Lamb. This timeless depiction captures the essence of Christ's boundless love and the profound meaning behind the parable, where every individual is valued and cherished. Amidst the flock of sheep, Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd and stands adorned in a white robe with a radiant crown around His head. With compassion, He lovingly cradles a small lamb in His arms, symbolizing His dedication to rescuing and caring for "the one" that has strayed, as described by Christ in Luke 15:4-6. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
Rescue of the Lost Lamb by artist Minerva Teichert c. 1939
History of the Painting of Rescue of the Lost Lamb
The Minerva Teichert painting Rescue of the Lost Lamb made its public debut during an exhibition organized by Alice Merrill Horne in March 1939 at the downtown Salt Lake City ZCMI department store. Alongside various western-themed paintings by Teichert, this piece captured the attention and admiration of visitors, prompting Horne to extend its display beyond her initial plan.
As its popularity continued to grow, Alice Merrill Horne eventually found a more permanent home for the Rescue of the Lost Lamb painting in a Salt Lake City church meeting house belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although the exact duration of its stay in the chapel remains unknown, many church members who attended services there recall the painting adorning the walls for numerous years. Emalina Stoddard reminisces, "I grew up looking at that painting during church." Grant Ballard wrote in a ward newsletter” “I remember the first time I saw Rescue of the Lost Lamb in our chapel. It was there when we walked in for Sacrament meeting. It lit up the old room and added a lightness that wasn’t there before.”
However, with the passage of time, the chapel ceased to exist, and the painting was moved to another location. Although the chapel where Rescue of the Lost Lamb once graced the walls is no longer standing, the legacy of Minerva Teichert's painting continues to captivate art enthusiasts and inspire viewers worldwide. Rescue of the Lost Lamb has become a beloved work of art both in and out of the Latter-day Saint communities. Today the original painting by Minerva Teichert is on display in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
The old 1939 ZCMI store where Minerva Teichert paintings were on display, including Rescue of the Lost Lamb.
The earliest known photograph of the Minerva Teichert painting - Rescue of the Lost Lamb.
Conference Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is where the original Rescue of the Lost Lamb is currently on display.
More about Minerva Teichert
Minerva Teichert was known for her remarkable paintings, particularly her depictions of western landscapes, historical events, and religious themes. She was born in Ogden, Utah and raised mostly in Idaho, which heavily influenced her paintings as she often portrayed scenes from the American West and Native American life.
Minerva Teichert paintings are characterized by their vibrant colors, strong composition, and emotional depth. Her style reflects a blend of realism and expressionism, capturing the essence of the subjects she portrayed. She was skilled at capturing the grandeur and beauty of the Western landscapes, using bold brushstrokes to bring them to life.
One of the recurring themes in Minerva Teichert paintings is her religious devotion, especially her strong affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She created numerous religious paintings, including scenes from the Bible and Book of Mormon, as well as portraits of Jesus Christ and other religious figures. Rescue of the Lost Lamb is one of her most famous religious works, illustrating the parable of the lost sheep and the Good Shepherd.
Apart from religious themes, Teichert also painted historical events, often reimagining scenes from the American West and bringing to life various episodes from Western history. She had a deep admiration for the pioneers and settlers who explored and settled the region.
Teichert's paintings gained recognition during her lifetime, and she was highly regarded for her artistic talents and unique style. She faced numerous challenges as a female artist in a male-dominated art world, but she persisted and continued to create impactful works of art.
Today, Minerva Teichert paintings can be found in various museums and private collections. Her legacy as an influential American artist lives on, and her contributions to the art world continues to be celebrated. Her paintings remain cherished for their ability to evoke emotion, transport viewers to different eras and landscapes, and provide insight into the culture and history of the American West.