Conclusion

This project has reviewed pictures of Jesus. This has not been an extensive look at all of the images of Jesus by any means, but rather, an introduction into what images can mean to both the audience and the artists. There are so many other examples that could be mentioned, so many other images that could be studied, but that isn’t the point of the project. The point of the project was to realize that the images of Jesus come from the surrounding culture that creates them. They have power-power not just given to them by the audience, but power given to them by the artist and the circumstances that surround it at the time. These images show Jesus in different ways, either with a beard or without one. Some images highlight the divinity of Jesus while others seek to highlight the humanity. I did not have space to begin talking about the Iconoclasts, but their act of not condoning images of Jesus says something about their opinion of him and God, as well as the pressure put upon them in some cases by outside groups. The next time you look at an image of Jesus, take time to reflect what that particular image seems to be saying to you: Is Jesus white? Does he have a beard? Is he doing anything in the image or just staring at you? Does he have a halo? What is he surrounded by? Each of these elements will tell you something about the artist’s view of who Jesus is.  Your reaction to the image will also tell you something about your view of who Jesus is. Part of our perception lies within our own identity.