Learning About The Life of St. Maximilian Kolbe Through Painting
by Kevin Pawlowski, Paradise Found Studio
In the spring of 2023, I decided to create a significant painting of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. I have been studying art for the past several years, doing my best to hone my craft. My eventual goal is to paint religious works professionally for a living, full time.
In contrast to master copies, where art students do their best to learn from the masters by directly reproducing their work, this painting is completely original. I will be covering my painting process in another blog. Here, I am discussing the variety of symbols incorporated in the painting, and what they can teach us about the life and tragic death of St. Kolbe.
In preparation of this painting, I read “Kolbe: Saint of the Immaculata”, which is a compilation of essays edited by Brother Francis M. Kalvelage, FI. This helped me get a deeper understanding of the subject of my painting, and hopefully allow it to convey deeper meaning to the uninitiated and to those more familiar with this great Polish saint.
Vision of The 2 Crowns
The ovens of Auschwitz and mountain peaks of Poland represent the 2 crowns St. Kolbe accepted as a child.
In 1906, at the age 12, young Raymond Kolbe's had a vision where he stood before the Virgin Mary, who held out two crowns: one white and one red. The white crown represented purity and selfless devotion, while the red crown symbolized martyrdom and sacrificial love. Mary asked him to choose between the two crowns. Without hesitation, he chose both – a life of purity and a life of martyrdom.
On St. Kolbe’s right, I painted the ovens of Auschwitz. The chimneys form spikes of a red crown. He was famously martyred at this Nazi death camp, and his body was most likely cremated in the ovens illustrated in the painting.
On St. Kolbe’s left, are the Polish Tatra Mountains located in far southern Poland, south of Kraków. The white peaks form the white crown of purity and chastity.
This childhood vision laid the foundation for St. Maximilian's spiritual philosophy and his later understanding of the Two Crowns concept. Throughout his life, he endeavored to live by the principles represented in the vision, embracing both the purity of selfless love and the readiness to lay down his life for others. This vision guided him through his years of service as a Franciscan friar and ultimately led him to make the ultimate sacrifice during World War II when he volunteered to take the place of a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz, embodying the essence of the Two Crowns he had seen as a child.
In St. Maximilian's vision of the Two Crowns, he presents two paths that individuals can follow: the Crown of Martyrdom and the Crown of Purity. The Crown of Martyrdom symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice for one's faith, often exemplified by those who give their lives for others or endure great suffering for their beliefs. St. Maximilian believed that through martyrdom, one gains a direct passage to Heaven and an eternal union with God.
On the other hand, the Crown of Purity represents a life of virtuous actions and choices, a life dedicated to selflessness, love, and spiritual purity. St. Maximilian emphasized that even in the absence of martyrdom, individuals can achieve holiness and spiritual significance by living a life devoted to serving others and adhering to moral principles.
St. Maximilian's concept of the Two Crowns encourages believers to consider their own life paths and the choices they make. It highlights the diversity of ways to approach spirituality and sanctity, whether through profound sacrifices or daily acts of kindness and devotion. This concept resonates with his personal story, as he willingly offered his life in the place of another prisoner at Auschwitz, showcasing his commitment to both crowns – his readiness for martyrdom and his dedication to purity and love.
Miraculous Medal or Kolbe’s “Bullets”
In the painting, you can see St. Kolbe gripping the center of his rosary. Devotion to Mary was central to his faith, as it is to the Franciscan order in general.
I had him holding the center medal specifically because he commonly handed out small Miraculous Medals, or what he called “bullets”, to encourage devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
St. Kolbe is clutching the Miraculous Metal of his Rosary, or what he called “bullets”.
These medals were inspired by the original Miraculous Medal design, which was created following an apparition of the Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830. The Miraculous Medal was believed to possess spiritual significance and protective properties, and it became a cherished symbol of Mary's intercession and grace.
St. Maximilian Kolbe, recognizing the power of this devotional item, sought to further promote devotion to Mary through these medals. He called them "bullets" as a metaphorical representation of spiritual ammunition, signifying the protection and grace they were believed to bring to those who wore them.
St. Maximilian Kolbe's devotion to the Miraculous Medal and his efforts to distribute these "bullets" were rooted in his desire to share Mary's maternal care and intercession with the world. He believed that these medals could serve as a tangible reminder of Mary's presence and her role in guiding and protecting believers. Through these medals, St. Maximilian Kolbe aimed to inspire a deep sense of faith and hope, encouraging individuals to turn to Mary for assistance in times of need and to cultivate a stronger connection to their spiritual beliefs.
Knight of the Immaculata Magazine
This one is less of a symbol as it is a pretty literal representation of the first issue of Rycerz Niepokalanej, or "Knight of the Immaculata” magazine. The magazine played a crucial role in advancing Kolbe's devotion to the Immaculate Virgin Mary and his mission to spread the message of faith, love, and dedication to God.
Rycerz Niepokalanej, or "Knight of the Immaculata” — note the printers’ ink under his nails.
St. Maximilian Kolbe believed in using modern means of communication to reach as many souls as possible and to combat the prevailing secularism and materialism of his time.
The magazine, first published in Poland in 1922, served as a platform for Kolbe to articulate his profound theological insights, promote Marian spirituality, and address various social and moral issues. It advocated for the transformation of individuals and society through consecration to the Immaculata, emphasizing the role of Mary as a powerful intercessor and guide in the Christian life. The magazine also sought to engage with contemporary cultural and philosophical trends while staying rooted in Catholic teachings.
Kolbe's "Knight of the Immaculata" magazine gained a wide readership and inspired many to embrace a deeper devotion to Mary and a more fervent commitment to living out their faith. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including suppression during World War II, the magazine's impact endured. Today, it stands as a testament to St. Maximilian Kolbe's visionary approach to evangelization and his unwavering dedication to spreading the message of Christ's love through Mary.
Buy Your Own Canvas Reproduction…
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Georgia US, 1968- )
Title: St. Maximilian Kolbe
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Date: 2023
This painting of St. Maximilian Kolbe won honorable mention in the 2023 Catholic Art Institute Sacred Art Prize, a global art contest with almost 400 entries.
Original composition that was painstakingly researched, and took 4-months to complete. It was completed August 14, 2023, the feast day of St. Kolbe. The original is 24” x 30”, but is available as high quality canvas prints in various sizes. Perfect for your home, Church, and anywhere you want to venerate this amazing Polish saint.
Purchase Original Graphite Studies…
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Georgia US, 1968- )
Title: St. Maximilian Kolbe Study (Young)
Medium: Graphite and white pencil on grey paper
Date: 2023
Graphite and white pencil study of St. Kolbe created in preparation of a larger oil painting. Original 9”x12” drawing on gray paper.
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Georgia US, 1968- )
Title: St. Maximilian Kolbe Study (Older)
Medium: Graphite and white pencil on grey paper
Date: 2023
Graphite and white pencil study of St. Kolbe created in preparation of a larger oil painting. This is a portrait of St. Kolbe when he was older. Original 9”x12” drawing on gray paper.