One of the most exciting moments along my journey to publishing Beauty for Ashes was learning that I could have input on the cover of the book. Covenant Book has been wonderful from the beginning, and this was certainly a part of the reason why. Christina, one of the amazing designers at Covenant, asked me to share images I thought might be a good fit for the cover. I shared several of my favorites from such artists as Joseph Brickey, Chris Young and Heinrich Hoffman, among others. As I searched my memory for other pieces that might work, one was preeminent – Agony in the Garden by Frans Schwartz. I’d first seen it at the powerful Sacred Gifts exhibition at Brigham Young University in 2013 and was powerfully drawn into the poignancy and tenderness of the scene. There was no possible way it could be available, I thought. So glad I was wrong.

Of the three featured artists in the BYU exhibition, Schwartz was certainly the least known, at least to me. According the The Deseret News,  he never painted professionally. I find that stunning. As I attended the museum for the first time and saw this painting, I was deeply moved. The submissiveness of the Savior, coupled with the compassionate embrace of an angel “strengthening” Him, brought deep emotions. I was reminded that He was there for me. And that it hurt Him – tremendously. I felt that such an image perfectly reflected the spirit of giving “beauty for ashes,” which is at least by earthly measurements, always an uneven exchange. The Savior gave EVERYTHING for me. I so often give so little in exchange, and always imperfectly.

If the book even begins to evoke the same spirit as does this remarkable painting, I would be beyond thrilled.

BTW, you can purchase prints of Agony in the Garden through the BYU MOA’s website. You’re welcome.

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