Artworks in the Celestial Room of the First Nauvoo Temple
BYU Studies
2002
41
2
2002
47-69
Several portraits of prominent Church leaders were hung in the celestial room of the first Nauvoo Temple. These included a seven-foot portrait of Brigham Young by Selah Van Sickle, titled 'Delivering the Law of the Lord.' This and other portraits were intended to remind the Saints of the importance of relying on their leaders. Portraits of married couples were also grouped together to represent the importance of temple sealings. The celestial room lacked a framed portrait of Joseph Smith. The only picture of the Prophet Joseph was a sketch included in the corner of the 'Plat Map of Nauvoo' drawn by Gustavas Hills. Brief biographical sketches were also given of William Warner Major and Selah Van Sickle, two prominent portrait painters in Nauvoo.