Jesus

Today, we're going to explore some of the earliest depictions of Jesus. Over the past 2,000 years, Jesus has been portrayed in various ways. However, the common image we have today is that of a gentle-looking European with long hair and a beard, as seen in Warner Solomon's famous 1940 painting of Jesus. It's important to note that Jesus was not European, but rather from the Middle East. In recent years, there have been efforts by different artists to depict Jesus more accurately based on his Middle Eastern origins. One approach to understanding what Jesus might have looked like is to examine the earliest artistic representations of him from the first few centuries following his death. So, in this countdown-style video, we will explore ten of the earliest images of Jesus.

Let's begin by looking at one of the oldest Byzantine icons still in existence, which can be found at the Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt. Dating back to around 550 CE, this icon survived the iconoclastic controversies that arose in the Byzantine Empire. It is in the style known as the "Christ Pantokrater" and features Jesus with a halo, a cross in the halo, a New Testament in his left hand, and a specific hand gesture representing the letters "ICXC" for Jesus Christ. The unique aspect of this icon is the artist's depiction of two different faces, symbolizing Jesus's dual nature.

Moving on to an image from the Israeli town of Shivta, we find a depiction of Jesus that differs significantly from the familiar European portrayal. Dating back to around 550 CE, this image is located in a church that now lies in ruins. It shows Jesus without a beard and with short curly hair, deviating from the long straight hair commonly associated with him today.

Another significant image comes from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy. This mosaic from the 5th century depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd and showcases the curly hair and lack of a beard seen in earlier depictions. It is worth noting that this image predates the establishment of the common European portrayal of Jesus.

Moving back to the 4th century, we find a carving from the doors of Santa Sabina Basilica in Rome. This carving, dated around 425 CE, is the oldest known image of Jesus on the cross. It shows Jesus with a beard, indicating that there was still variation in depictions of Jesus during this period.

We now delve into the 3rd century, where many early images of Jesus can be found in catacombs. These underground burial places in ancient Rome were often decorated, and their artworks survived longer than those located above ground. In the catacombs of Commodilla, we find one of the oldest surviving images of a bearded Jesus from around 375 CE. This image is strikingly similar to the familiar portrayal of Jesus today, with the inclusion of a halo and symbols representing his eternal existence.

The catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter provide another insight into the depiction of Jesus in the 3rd century. In one image, Jesus appears as a typical Roman, complete with short haircut, no beard, and Roman attire. His Jewish identity is indicated by the tzitzit, a ritual fringe on his mantle, rather than through specific facial features or skin color.

Among the earliest depictions of Jesus, we find a 3rd-century image from the Catacomb of Domitila, where Jesus is depicted raising Lazarus from the dead. Once again, Jesus is shown with a short haircut, no beard, and Roman attire. Interestingly, he is depicted holding a wand, reflecting the Roman association of miraculous acts with magic.

Moving forward in history, we can observe an interesting shift in the depictions of Jesus. As Christianity gained prominence and spread throughout different regions, artistic representations of Jesus began to incorporate elements and characteristics influenced by local cultures and traditions.

One notable example of this cultural adaptation can be seen in the Coptic icons of Jesus. The Coptic Christians, who reside primarily in Egypt, developed their own distinctive style of iconography. Coptic icons often portray Jesus with large, expressive eyes, elongated fingers, and a slender face. These features reflect the artistic sensibilities of the Coptic tradition and the cultural context in which they emerged.

Similarly, as Christianity reached Ethiopia, a unique Ethiopian Christian art style developed, known as Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church art. In Ethiopian Christian art, Jesus is depicted with distinct Ethiopian features, including dark skin and tightly curled hair. These representations reflect the local Ethiopian culture and the desire to portray Jesus in a relatable and familiar manner.

In Byzantine art, which flourished in the Eastern Roman Empire, Jesus is often depicted with a regal and majestic appearance. Byzantine icons of Jesus exhibit a sense of divine authority, with a stern expression, elaborate robes, and a prominent halo. This style aimed to emphasize the majesty and power of Jesus as the ruler and savior.

During the Renaissance period, European art underwent a significant transformation, including the portrayal of Jesus. Influenced by the cultural and aesthetic trends of the time, artists depicted Jesus in a more humanized and relatable manner. Paintings by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" showcased Jesus with recognizable human features and emotions, capturing the essence of his humanity.

In modern times, there has been a growing movement to depict Jesus in diverse ways, reflecting the global nature of Christianity and embracing cultural inclusivity. Artists from various backgrounds and regions have reimagined Jesus, portraying him with different ethnicities, hairstyles, and clothing styles. These contemporary interpretations aim to emphasize the universality of Jesus' message and his relevance to people of all cultures and backgrounds.

It is important to note that while artistic depictions of Jesus have evolved throughout history, their primary purpose remains constant: to inspire devotion, contemplation, and reflection on the life, teachings, and significance of Jesus Christ. The rich diversity of these representations reflects the profound impact Jesus has had on countless individuals and cultures worldwide.