Although he is known today for a different and unique style of painting, this 2008 work by Jorge Cocco Santángelo, Jesus Christ Heals the Sick in America, presents the people of the continent from the viewpoint of his Argentinian heritage. About the painting, the artist writes, “The inspiration for this painting was to record one of the most tender moments during Jesus Christ's visit to the American continent. This glorious encounter captures two sides of the story; on the one hand the Savior pouring His divine mercy upon the people, and on the other hand the multitude that survived the cataclysm moved by faith, seeks the Lord for relief to the wide variety of sufferings, physical, spiritual and mental. Though this painting depicts a particular moment in the past, the reality of the Savior's extended hand for deliverance and the trials of faith by his children continue to resonate in our days."

The following three weeks in the Come, Follow Me curriculum look at the account of Jesus in the Americas. For artists, it is an opportunity to imagine what might that scene have looked like. Along with the symbolic image from last’s week’s Come, Follow Me (Art Companion) by Sardinian-Italian artist Anna Maria Carta, we will present paintings from different centuries and countries. They have disparate sensibilities regarding historical authenticity and painting styles. A challenge that contemporary artists have is this: how is Jesus to be painted? What does He look like and what do the people look like? We are pleased to present four diverse approaches.

The subject matter for this week’s lesson describes the wickedness of Nephites and Lamanites, the robbing, assassinations, battles, divisions, and conspiracies of the people in the days immediately before Jesus would appear. The artist Anna Maria Carta created a group of paintings about Christ’s second coming. Symbolic rather than illustrative in nature, the work, above, is connected to Christ in America, too.

Regarding the painting, Samuel the Lamanite, which was created as album art work for a Christian rock band, the artist writes, “A powerful Lamanite prophet during a period of great Nephite wickedness, Samuel risked his life to warn the nation of the consequences of their choices. Taking refuge on the capitol city’s wall, Samuel was miraculously protected from assault so that he could deliver his message. His actions became the pivot point on which the lives of an entire people turned. My goal with this painting was to highlight Samuel’s faith and the terrible risk he accepted to carry out God’s will.”