After being stolen, wrongly sold, and hidden away for 16 years, Akiane Kramarik’s painting Prince of Peace—a stunning portrait of Jesus she painted at just 8 years old—was finally recovered and recognized as a masterpiece.

Now 28, Akiane is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She says the inspiration for her painting came from recurring visions and a deep sense of spiritual calling. Despite being raised in an atheist home in Idaho, with no religious influence, Akiane began having vivid dreams and conversations about God at a very young age.

When she couldn’t find a model for Jesus, her family prayed—and soon after, a carpenter resembling her vision showed up at their door. He became the model for Prince of Peace.

The painting was stolen before an exhibition, and for years was lost—kept in poor conditions and involved in a legal battle. Eventually, it was sold to a private collector and hidden away. In 2019, a miracle happened: the painting resurfaced. A wealthy and respected family purchased it for $850,000 and now serves as its guardian, dedicated to sharing its message with the world.

Akiane wept when she saw her painting again after nearly 20 years, calling it “surreal” and a symbol of the power of love and faith.

Prince of Peace is now on display at the Belóved Gallery in Marble Falls, Texas, as part of the exhibit Akiane: The Early Years.