Simeon Dunn Meets Joseph

This painting is finally finished (I think). As it was nearing completion I posted a photo of it earlier (Oct. 9) and told a brief story about Simeon walking 500 miles to meet the Prophet. Joseph has completed a ride and is visiting with Simeon. This occurred in 1841 and the Joseph Smith Homestead (that is what it was called) is in the background on the left of of the painting. A phone call to the Nauvoo historical director of The Community of Chirst Church which owns the J.S. Homestead told me that the log building was added onto and then siding was put on and it was painted white.

The famous Red Brick Store that I put in the painting at first is now painted out and is replaced by the frame of a building under construction. If construction of the Red Brick Store was under way in 1841 then that is the building. If not, then it is another building. There were several buildings along the Mississippi River's edge so it could be one of those. A tent is on the right side of the painting to represent the phenominal growth and the poor circumstances of many Mormons who were moving to Nauvoo and building it up to some 18,000 to 20,000 people by the mid-1840s, rivaling Chicago in size.

In trying to make a beautiful and yet accurate historical painting I chose a time of day that has cast a golden glow over the earth. Simeon and Joseph are both dressed in a way that was common in the early and middle 19th Century. Both are in shirt sleeves but their coats are close by; Simeon's coat is on his bedroll on the ground along with his hat and Joseph's coat over the saddle. I tried to figure out a place to put Joseph's hat which would have been the "top hat" as we like to call it. Finally I decided to put Joseph's hat on the well behind him, so you can't see it. That makes it easier to paint. Coats, hats, vest, and a stock (neck wraps, often pre-made) were what gentlemen wore in those days, even when it was hot and muggy. Being in their shirt sleeves shows them in a very relaxed and comfortable situation and I'm allowing this because it is June.

Joseph was a tall and vibrant with a pleasant and jovial personality. Many clergymen from other religions came to Nauvoo to see for themselves this "Prophet". Can you imagine how disappointed many were when they found this common man who laughed and joked and didn't put on airs, but he was serious as a heart attack when he bore his testimony of Jesus.

I have a photo of Simeon taken some thirty years after this episode and he has a full beard, yet you can tell he was a handsome man with chiseled features. Beards were not worn by gentlemen until the early to mid 1850s. By the time the Civil war came along in 1861 Beards were worn by most men. Simeon's clothes show wear and tear from the long journey and his hat is a farmer, or worker's wide brimmed hat.