Art and the Christmas Story

A Timeless Theme in Art

For centuries, artists have used the Christmas story as a theme in their work, offering different interpretations of an ancient event while sharing their own messages. Joan Kaskell—art historian, Meadow Ridge resident and longtime editor of the community’s Ridge Record community newspaper—explored many of these works during Art and the Christmas Story, a lecture she presented to fellow residents at Meadow Ridge this December.

Exploring the Birth of Christ Through Art

Art and the Christmas Story examines the events surrounding the birth of Jesus as they appeared in works of artists throughout the centuries. These artworks recount the Nativity and depict how shepherds, the three wise men and angels visited Mary and Joseph.

“Art and Christmas are among my favorite lecture subjects,” said Joan, who holds a Master’s degree in Art History from Hunter College and who subsequently had a longtime career as a lecturer at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“The presentation isn’t from a religious point of view; it focuses on the art.” She added that while she references the Bible, her approach centers on the artist’s perspective.

“I take it from the artist’s point of view, and I explain how these artists interpret the Christmas story,” she said. “For example, how did they depict an angel when they’ve never seen an angel?”

Artistic Interpretation and Historical Context

“The artists in the early years had to be accepted by the Church and often were inspired by the Gospels of Matthew and Luke,” she explained.

The lecture was supplemented with informative PowerPoint images, highlighting how various artists depicted the Christmas story in their paintings. Kaskell discussed or referenced approximately 20 artists who created works based on their interpretation of the Christmas story.

Artists Featured

“From Giotto, painting in the late Middle Ages, to Father John Giuliani, a gifted painter who spent his last years at Meadow Ridge,” she said. Giotto’s The Nativity, a fresco in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy, is recognized as one of the earliest representations of the birth of Christ. Father Giuliani is known for his indigenous iconography inspired by the cultural traditions of Native Americans throughout North, Central and South America.

A Lifelong Passion for Art History

Kaskell enjoys speaking about art historical subjects and sharing her knowledge with others. “It’s what I love, did and still do. I have a lot of curiosity,” she said. “I’ve studied, lectured on and taught art history for 50 years.”

While she modestly noted having little artistic talent herself, Kaskell emphasized what continues to inspire her: “It’s the connection between artists, their subjects and their contemporary history that is always fascinating. Art, besides being its own creation, illustrates human thought and creativity.”