Meet Nicholas Markell, Religious Artist, and Iconographer

Join in on my conversation with my good friend Nicholas. Then follow along in this blog post to see examples of his latest project in the style of Beuronese Art. I’ve provided explanations for each. Thanks for clicking on this link!

THE INTERVIEW: (92) Interview with Religious Artist Nicolas Markell July 2023 – YouTube

A Brief Bio: Artist Nicholas Markell began his study and practice of religious art and iconography before, but especially during, his five years with the Paulist community in our seminary and while earning an M.Div. from the former Washington Theological Union in Seminary, Washington DC.* He has also studied with professional iconographers from Russia and Eastern Europe. In addition to traditional icons, his work includes stained glass, oil and watercolors, and sculpture. Nicholas’ artwork installed at Saint John Vianney, philosophy department, St. Paul Seminary on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, is featured in all the artwork below.

Nicholas’ Art-in-Process

Here’s the Very Basics: 7 Style Standards of Beuronese Art:

And now, the final work on display: The Baptism of the Lord

Description: The Baptism of Jesus with John the Baptist, and the Dove representing the Holy Spirit of God. The Gospels: Matthew 3: 13 to 17; Mark 1: 9-11; Luke 3: 21-22 describe the event which is implied but not stated directly in John 1:29-34. The angel is most likely Angel Gabriel who announced Messiah’s coming through the Virgin Mary of Nazareth (Luke 1:26-38). Note the Palm tree with a serpent circling the base. This serves as a reminder of Genesis 3, the story of humanity’s temptation to eschew its relationship with God and become our own master. Genesis 3 NABRE – Chapter 3 – Expulsion from Eden. Now – Bible Gateway

The deer and the lamb echo biblical passages, particularly Psalm 42: 2-3 and Habakkuk 3:19 (Jesus being associated the deer who longs for God who give him strength); the lamb linked to the Hebrew Testament’s temple sacrifices and the positive images of shepherd’s, especially David, the former shepherd who came to “shepherd” the people as King of Israel. One of the many titles for Jesus Christ is “Lamb of God.” You may like to explore the many biblical references to “lamb,” “shepherd,” “sheep.” You may begin here: BibleGateway – Keyword Search: Lamb

The HOLY FAMILY

Description: Holy Family at Home. The painting is inspired by a line concluding the pericope Luke 2: 41-52 – the only scripture passage referring to Jesus’s adolescence. Nicholas has depicted the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph instructing Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures. Joseph holds a flowering staff — the Lily symbolizing purity as in Catholic and Orthodox Christian teaching that Joseph was a chaste spouse to Mary. The staff comes from a longstanding tradition describing how the temple priests chose Joseph to be Mary’s spouse and benefactor. It is the stuff of legend, not scripture or Church teaching, but it is of literary importance:

“When no man’s staff flowered, the elders again consulted the Lord and the angel’s voice betrayed Joseph. Joseph then brought forth his staff which immediately blossomed with lilies and the Holy Spirit perched upon it in the form of a dove. In this way, Joseph was chosen by God to be the husband of Mary.”

The legend’s origins are traced to a 2^nd century document Protoevangelium of James verses 8 and 9. CHURCH FATHERS: Protoevangelium of James (newadvent.org) Note this translation refers to a dove only, not the lily.

See these sites for contemporary evaluation of the text: Protevangelium of James | Virgin Mary, Joseph & Jesus | Britannica and St. Joseph in Apocrypha – Oblates of St. Joseph (osjusa.org)

A note from Nicholas Markell: The Holy Family mural, also called The Hidden Life of Jesus, has the most symbolism of the art pieces shown. In addition to those described above, take note of:

The Holy Trinity
- Jesus, the Holy Spirit as Dove, and Hand of God the Father.
Archangel Gabriel
- Jesus’ Guardian Angel also featured in the Baptism mural above.
Tau cross (carpenters T square table)
- See What Is the Meaning of the Tau Cross? | Franciscan Media
Gift of the Magi
- Vessels of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold on the wall and the Incense Censer Boat on a stand – all to Mary’s right. See Matthew’s Gospel 2 vs 1 to 12.
Bread and Grapes – Eucharist and Passover elements
Rose, Lamb, and a Corner of the Manger behind Jesus at his feet
- Rose signifies both Beauty and Suffering. Its thorns reference the crown of thorns will be part of Jesus’ passion.
- The Lamb and Manger both reference the Christmas Story, i.e., Jesus’ birth in Luke Chapter 2 vs 1 to 20.
Instruments of Crucifixion
- Carpenters’ tools on the wall at Joseph’s left.
Water urn and basin at Joseph’s feet
- Water vessels symbolize baptism; the earthen jar also alludes to the Miracle of water-turned-to-wine at the Wedding of Cana in John’s Gospel 2: 1-12.

Saint Paul the Apostle

Description: Saint Paul the Apostle is known as the evangelizer to the Gentiles. His missionary journeys, preaching, and letters that form the lengthiest segment of the Christian Testament, expanded the community of Jesus’ followers from a uniquely Jewish sect to a world-wide religion.

St. John Vianney

Description: St. John Vianney, in full Saint Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, also called Curé d’Ars, (born May 8, 1786, Dardilly, France—died August 4, 1859, Ars; canonized May 31, 1925; feast day August 4 [formerly August 9]), a French priest.

who was renowned as a confessor and for his supernatural powers. He is the patron saint of parish priests. For the full article: Saint John Vianney | Biography & Facts | Britannica.

More on these murals and paintings created for Saint John Vianney College Seminary (Dept. of Philosophy): https://sjvseminary.org/general/bringing-beauty-to-life/

ADDENDUM

See Nicholas Markell’s official website. It is extraordinarily beautiful! Follow this link Now! Markell Studios

Nicholas recommends these links for further reading:

Beuron Art School – Wikipedia