Akiane Kramarik’s painting Prince of Peace, a portrait of Jesus created when she was just 8 years old, was stolen, sold, and hidden for 16 years before being rediscovered as a masterpiece. Now 28, Akiane is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She describes feeling a divine inspiration to paint this ethereal image of Jesus, whom she saw as a “profound role model for humanity.”
Akiane first showcased Prince of Peace on The Oprah Winfrey Show when she was 9, where Oprah asked about her gift. “It comes from God,” Akiane confidently replied. Raised in a family that didn’t believe in God, Akiane’s visions and dreams began describing spiritual experiences, which her mother, Forelli, found perplexing but profound.
The painting was inspired by a childhood dream, and though Akiane initially tried to express it through poetry, she found painting to be the best way. After praying for a model of Jesus, a carpenter who resembled her vision appeared at their door. Akiane knew instantly he was the one, and Prince of Peace was born, now recognized as a globally valued masterpiece.
