A particular painting has hung in President Dallin H. Oaks’s office for nearly 40 years.
Titled “Forgotten Man,” this piece by artist Maynard Dixon depicts a weary-looking man sitting on a busy street curb. The painting is one of Dixon’s works from the Great Depression that represents the “forgotten men” of that era.
During a recent worldwide devotional for young adults, Elder Neil L. Andersen highlighted President Oaks’s thoughts on the piece:
“President Oaks loves every son and daughter of God, and this painting reminds him that he is to reach out to those who feel alone, who are discouraged, who need to know of their own worth and the love of their Heavenly Father.”
A Visual Reminder of God’s Love
President Oaks first became acquainted with the painting while he was president of Brigham Young University.
“It spoke to my heart,” he says in a video clip that was referenced during the broadcast.
When President Oaks left BYU, the university gifted him with an oil-on-canvas copy of the painting done by an art student.
“It’s been in my office in the Church Office Building ever since,” he explains, “and it ... reminds me of things that I need to remember.”
Though the painting portrays a scene of discouragement, President Oaks points out a silver lining:
“Behind him are crowds of people walking by, paying no attention. And yet you see the sun shining on his head. His Heavenly Father knows he’s there.”
Hear more from President Oaks in the full clip below.
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