Latter-day Saint Art Celebrating Mother Eve

There is much to be learned from Eve’s example when studying her story in the scriptures. Latter-day prophets and leaders often praise her courage in the face of the unknown, as well as her faithfulness to the Lord and her family. 

Because of her foresight, she had an important role to play in bringing forth God’s plan for His children. Together, as an equal partner with her husband, she braved hardship and tragedy. But she also found joy and fulfillment. In the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we learn that Eve’s voice joined Adam's in declaring faith in the Plan of Salvation and hope in the Savior of all mankind.

Many of our artists have poured their own insight into the ancient character of Mother Eve. To celebrate her legacy, we wanted to feature a few of our favorite art pieces illustrating her life and sacrifices. We hope you enjoy these stunning pieces of Latter-day Saint artwork. 

For this piece, the artist explains that: “I wanted to find an Eve model that conveyed purity and innocence, yet strength and courage. Eve made a courageous choice to bring forth Heavenly Father’s plan.”

We think she did an excellent job in capturing each of these traits. Eve looks young and hopeful, though her expression is solemn and determined. The frame of fruit and doves suggest both possibility and purity. 

And, as is characteristic of Mandy’s work, the textures and colors flow together to create an overall dreamlike image, immediately sweeping any viewer away to a time much more ancient and mysterious than the busy day-to-day grind.

Kendal’s eye-catching collage captures another part of the story: sacrifice. Eve gave up much in her decision to be cast from the Garden of Eden. The scriptures describe it as paradise, where there was no conflict or opposition. However, that also meant there was no fulfillment or growth.

Throughout the process, there were moments of loss that were devastating, but in the end the miracle of family shone through and they found a sense of meaning and purpose that outweighed everything they had faced to get to that point. 

Rose’s painting invites us to imagine what it might have been like for the human family’s first parents to experience their first autumn. The weather drops in degrees, animals disappear, and the lush greenery begins to fade. 

It must have been unsettling, as Rose masterfully portrays in their expressions. Yet, they also look brave and determined. The contrast of cool and warm colors suggest that even in the face of their troubling surroundings, faith in and devotion to God’s plan burns bright. 

Rose’s natural ability to capture a sense of personality and narrative is one of our favorite things about her artwork. And her depictions of Eve are no different, as you will also see in the next painting.

The moment Rose captures in this painting is something sacred and silent. Eve looks toward Heaven with wide eyes, taking in her new world while Adam continues to sleep, making it a special moment between God and His daughter. 

As with any ancient story from the Old Testament, there are layers of meaning and symbolism to uncover. But one possible interpretation of this piece is the vital importance of women in God’s plan. He loves each of His daughters very much. As He warns His people in the ancient Americas:

“I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea, and in all the lands of my people..and I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me” (Jacob 2:31-32).

A simple yet profound scripture verse from the Book of Mormon partly inspired Annie in creating this ethereal depiction of Mother Eve holding the forbidden fruit.

“Adam fell that men might be; men are, that they might have joy. - 2 Nephi 2:25

As the artist herself wrote: “This is a moment of profound contemplation, as Eve considers the opportunity to leave the garden of Eden. This painting is meant to show Eve contemplating joy and inherent sorrow, progress and fulfillment contrasted by toil and strife. Despite the trials ahead, she chooses to move forward, that (all men) might have joy.”

It was not an easy or trivial decision, as we can see in her expression. But, as we learn in the restored gospel, her courage and faith won out. In this way, Eve played an immensely important role in helping God’s plan for His children move forward.

Annie’s next painting doesn’t show Eve at all, but focuses solely on the forbidden fruit we so often associate with her and her story. It is an interestingly artistic choice, drawing attention to what partaking of the fruit meant for her, for Adam, and for the entire human family. It invites the mind to consider all of the implications Eve must have considered when making her decision.

What insights do you draw from this unique painting? Let us know in the comments below!

Traditionally, the story of Adam and Eve leaving the garden of Eden is considered a tragedy. Yet, Jorge Cocco chose a bright and hopeful palette when painting this pivotal scene in Genesis. Bright blues, yellows, and greens communicate a calming sense of a fresh start. 

There is a body of water, suggesting a sort of cleansing or baptism from the past mistakes. Meanwhile, the couple’s distant destination, though unclear, is full of potential. Though there is no explicit sign of Jesus Christ in the scene, this overall message alone communicates the anchoring hope, peace, and redemption that He offers to the entire human family.

As the apostle Paul wrote: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

For more artwork celebrating women of faith, you might like:

16 Inspiring Paintings of Women of Faith

20+ Images Celebrating Women and Motherhood

Favorite Annie Henrie Nader Art

Or to find additional paintings by these artists, peruse their galleries at our online storefront. We’ll see you there!