Lorus Pratt’s Oil Portraits
1879-1885
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Deseret University
A striking portrait of Dr. Park, painted in water colors, and presented by Mr. Lorus Pratt, one of the students, and handsomely framed, was hung on the walls as an agreeable surprise to the Principal.
[Deseret News, June 4, 1879]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Sept. 2006]
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A Good Portrait
We have been shown a very fine life-size portrait in oil, of the late respected Apostle Orson Pratt. It is fresh from the brush of his son, Lorus. We must congratulate the young artist on the remarkably rapid progress he has made, as exhibited in this last specimen of his handiwork. The likeness is strikingly faithful, one of its chief charms being the retention of the thoughtful, intelligent expression peculiar to the subject. The portrait is to be hung up in President Taylor’s office, to which is taken today.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dec. 13, 1881, 2]
[Deseret News, Dec. 13, 1881]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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A Portrait
Today we were shown a life-size bust portrait of the late Parley P. Pratt. It is from the brush of Brother Lorus Pratt, copied after a photograph, and is pronounced by those who knew the subject, to be an excellent likeness. The manipulation is very fine and artistic.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Feb. 11, 1882, 3]
[Deseret News, Feb. 11, 1882]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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We have been shown a very fine specimen of the artistic work of Mr. Lorus Pratt, in the shape of another excellent portrait of the late Apostle Orson Pratt. The likeness is good, and the subject is represented sitting at a table engaged in studious reflection.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 12, 1882, 2]
[Deseret News, Apr. 12, 1882]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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A Portrait
Bro. Lorus Pratt has just finished a very fine life-size bust portrait, in oil color, of our esteemed friend Bishop L.W. Hardy. It is a good one, faithfully delineating the familiar features and expression of the worthy subject.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 23, 1882, 3]
[Deseret News, June 23, 1882]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Salt Lake Easel
The portrait of Mr. Feramorz Young, painted by Lorus Pratt, of this city, is generally considered a very fine piece of work. All who have seen it speak highly of its accuracy in portrayal of feature, and the general artistic character of the painting. We understand that Mr. Pratt is contemplating a visit to eastern art college, with a view to perfecting his studies. He has much talent, and all who know him feel sure that he will excel. His work stamps him as an able artist and his reputation widens with every subject. He has a bright future before him, and should improve the opportunity to study under good masters.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sept. 9, 1883, 4]
[Deseret News, Sept. 9, 1883]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Portrait of Elder Staines
For several months, Brother Lorus Pratt, one of Utah’s rising artists, has been engaged on an oil portrait of the late Elder Wm. C. Staines. The picture was finished yesterday, and is striking and unmistakable likeness of the original. It is probably, as the artist himself thinks, his best painting, and certainly does credit to his taste and accuracy.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nov. 9, 1883, 3]
[Deseret News, Nov. 9, 1883]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Another Portrait
Brother Lorus Pratt has finished another life-like portrait, the subject being a ten-year-old son of Mr. Frank Pascoe, of the Nineteenth Ward, and grandson of the late Professor J.L. Barfoot. The portrait, which is done in oil, is evidently very good. The points about it most worthy of note are the atmospheric effect of the background and the manipulation of the facial colors, a process called “stapling,” both of which features are new to the artist’s work, he never having attempted them before.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nov. 12, 1883, 4]
[Deseret News, Nov. 12, 1883]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Local News.
Oil Portrait.
Mr. Lorus Pratt, artist, has just finished an oil portrait of Alfred Solomon, of the firm of Solomon Brothers and Gold, the enterprising boot and shoe firm of this city. The likeness is excellent, life-like and natural, and should be prized both by the artist and his subject.
[Deseret News, May 7, 1884]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]
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Local News.
Portrait of General Eldredge.
Mr. Lorus Pratt has just finished a life size portrait in oil of General H.S. Eldredge. It exhibits nearly the entire figure of the subject, in a sitting posture, and to the right is an open window, giving a perspective view of the Deseret Bank Building. The likeness is life-like and the entire picture has been manipulated with a skill that marks Mr. Pratt as the possessor of genuine artistic taste and ability.
[Deseret News, Mar. 12, 1884]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]
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Mayor Jennings in Oil.
Mr. Lorus Pratt, the talented local portrait painter, exhibited in our office this morning the latest production of his brush, a portrait of ex-Mayor Jennings, designed to occupy a place in the City Hall among the pictures of gentlemen who have acted a leading part in municipal affairs. Mr. Pratt has been engaged about three months upon this work and has put to it some of his finest touches. He had a portrait to work from, but was also favored with several sittings, so the painting cannot be termed a copy in the usual acceptation of that term. It gives evidence of careful and industrious labor, and is, we consider, quite remarkable in portions for the smoothness with which the pigment is laid on and the delicacy of the execution. This is particularly true of the complexion tints of the face and the fine work of the beard, which is not massed as in commoner works but distinctly and separately outlined. The painting is not without defects, but these are principally on the outlining of the body and are minor. Altogether the artist has produced a highly creditable work, one on which the News can heartily congratulate him and take occasion to wish him further success in his beloved profession.
[Deseret News, Aug. 27, 1884]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]
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Artistic
We saw another fine specimen of artistic work today from the brush of Brother Lorus Pratt—a portrait of William Noall, of the 19th Ward. It is especially excellent in point of coloring.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aug. 18, 1885, 2]
[Deseret News, Aug. 18, 1885]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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