The "Prince of Peace" painting by Akiane Kramarik continues to be one of the most discussed and revered pieces of Christian art in the world today, a phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. As of December 2025, the original masterpiece, famous for its association with the *Heaven is for Real* story, is not only recovered after years of being lost but is now the centerpiece of a dedicated gallery, drawing pilgrims and art enthusiasts from across the globe. This iconic portrait of Jesus Christ, painted by a prodigious eight-year-old, carries a history as miraculous as its creation, including a dramatic recovery and a stunning sale price that cemented its legendary status. The enduring fascination with this oil-on-canvas work lies not just in its technical brilliance but in the profound spiritual claims surrounding its creation and its uncanny resemblance to the description of Jesus given by Colton Burpo, the boy at the center of the best-selling book and movie, *Heaven is for Real*. This deep dive explores the artist, the painting's incredible journey, and the latest updates on where you can view this visionary artwork today.

Akiane Kramarik: A Child Prodigy's Biography and Timeline

Akiane Kramarik, the artist behind the world-famous "Prince of Peace," is a self-taught painter and poet whose spiritual visions began at the age of four. Born to a non-practicing Catholic American father and a Lithuanian mother who were both atheists at the time, her art became the catalyst for her family's spiritual journey.

• Full Name: River Akiane Kramarik
• Born: July 9, 1994, in Mount Morris, Illinois, USA.
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 31 years old.
• Early Life: Began drawing at age four and painting at age six, claiming to have visions of heaven and conversations with God.
• Education: Primarily homeschooled.
• The Masterpiece: Completed the 3x4-foot oil painting "Prince of Peace" at the age of eight in 2003.
• Other Roles: She is also an accomplished poet, best-selling author, philanthropist, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and art ambassador.
• Current Work: Akiane continues her artistic and philanthropic work, with her art supporting various charitable causes. She is actively involved with the Belóved Gallery, which hosts her work.

The Lost, Recovered, and Found: The Incredible Journey of the Original Painting

The history of the "Prince of Peace" painting is a dramatic tale of loss, damage, and spectacular recovery, making it a true art world legend.

The Visionary Creation (2003)

Akiane Kramarik painted "Prince of Peace" in 2003 when she was just eight years old. The self-taught artist claimed the portrait was based on a vision she had of Jesus Christ. It was a monumental undertaking for a child, a 3x4-foot oil-on-canvas work that captured the profound serenity and wisdom of its subject, a stark contrast to the artist's young age.

The Years It Was "Lost"

Shortly after its completion, the original painting was lent to an art dealer. Tragically, the dealer refused to return it, claiming the work was "blasphemous," and inflicted a scar on the canvas with a swipe of his hand. The painting subsequently disappeared, leading to a nearly two-decade-long search for the original masterpiece, which became known as "The Lost Picture of Jesus."

The $850,000 Recovery and Sale (2019)

After years of searching by Akiane’s family and supporters, the original "Prince of Peace" was finally recovered in December 2019. This recovery was a major news event in the Christian art world. It was immediately sold to a private collector, the Cirne family, for a staggering $850,000. The high-profile sale price underscored the painting's immense cultural and spiritual value.

The Belóved Gallery and Current Exhibition (2023–2025)

The new owners, the Cirnes, did not keep the painting private. Instead, they collaborated with the Kramarik family to create a dedicated public exhibition space. The Belóved Gallery, which opened on Easter weekend 2023, now serves as the permanent home for the original "Prince of Peace" painting. The gallery, located in Marble Falls, Texas, is a central hub for Akiane’s visionary art, offering visitors a chance to see the iconic work in person.

The 'Heaven is for Real' Connection and Cultural Impact

No discussion of the "Prince of Peace" is complete without mentioning its pivotal role in the *Heaven is for Real* phenomenon. This connection is the single greatest driver of the painting's global fame and topical authority.

The Colton Burpo Confirmation

The book *Heaven is for Real* tells the true story of Colton Burpo, a young boy who claimed to have visited heaven during an emergency surgery. When asked to identify Jesus after his recovery, Colton was unable to find a suitable depiction until he was shown a print of Akiane’s "Prince of Peace" years later. Colton immediately confirmed that the portrait was the most accurate representation of Jesus he had ever seen.

The Face of Jesus

This confirmation rocketed the painting and the artist to international celebrity. The portrait became widely accepted as "the face of Jesus" by millions of believers who had read the book or seen the movie adaptation. The resemblance was so striking that it fueled discussions comparing the painting to other famous religious artifacts, such as the digital renderings of the Man in the Turin Shroud.

The Second 'Prince of Peace'

Interestingly, Akiane created a second "Prince of Peace" painting after the original was recovered. This second version, housed in another gallery owned by Akiane and her family in West Palm Beach, Florida, allows for more people to experience the profound imagery of her work. The existence of two versions further highlights the immense demand and cultural significance of the original masterpiece.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The following entities and concepts are essential for understanding the full scope of the "Prince of Peace" painting's significance:

• Akiane Kramarik: The visionary artist and child prodigy.
• Jesus Christ: The subject of the portrait.
• Belóved Gallery: The current home of the original painting in Marble Falls, Texas.
• *Heaven is for Real*: The book and movie that popularized the portrait.
• Colton Burpo: The boy whose testimony confirmed the painting's accuracy.
• Visionary Art: The genre of painting based on spiritual or mystical experiences.
• Oil on Canvas: The medium used for the 3x4-foot masterpiece.
• The Lost Picture of Jesus: The common nickname for the painting during its missing years.
• $850,000 Sale: The confirmed price of the recovered original in 2019.
• Giclée Prints: High-quality reproductions that allow global access to the image.
• The Belóved Gala: A philanthropic event hosted by Akiane, with a 2025 theme of "Commissioned: Sharing Faith Through Art."
• Christian Art: The broader category of the artwork.
• Turin Shroud: A religious artifact often compared to the painting's likeness.
• Akiane's Mother (Lithuanian): A key biographical detail.
• Akiane's Father (American): A key biographical detail.

The Enduring Legacy of Akiane’s Masterpiece

The "Prince of Peace" is more than just a painting; it is a cultural and spiritual touchstone. Its dramatic history—from its creation by a child prodigy to its disappearance, recovery, and eventual public display in the Belóved Gallery—has only amplified its mystique. The painting's status as the confirmed face of Jesus by a boy who claimed to have seen him in heaven ensures its continued relevance for years to come. With Akiane Kramarik actively producing new work and engaging in philanthropic endeavors, the legacy of her masterpiece remains fresh, accessible, and deeply inspiring to a global audience. The fact that you can now visit the original work, recovered and restored, solidifies its place as a modern icon of faith.