Images of Christ: Variations and Themes

Everyone knows what Jesus looks like. He is the most painted figure in all of Western art, recognised everywhere as having long hair and a beard, and dressed in a long robe with long sleeves and a mantle. Jesus is so familiar that he can be recognised on pancakes or pieces of toast. Actually, the depiction of him in art took several centuries to reach a conventional standardized form for his physical appearance. Discover how the social, political and religious conditions had a direct impact on the image of the Christ.