Biography
Arnold Friberg (1913–2010) was an American artist and illustrator who contributed to the costume design of Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments (1956). He created concept sketches and paintings for costumes and scenes, working alongside designers including Edith Head, and received on-screen credit and an Academy Award nomination for costume design.
Friberg graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1935. DeMille commissioned him after seeing his religious paintings; Friberg’s work informed the film’s visual style, including the design of Moses’ distinctive red, black and white robe. He also produced paintings for the souvenir programme and opening credits.
Beyond film, Friberg was known for his illustrations of Book of Mormon scenes and other historical subjects. He later provided historical costume consultation for the short Molly Goes West (2012).
