Christ in Art: Famous Paintings of Jesus

The role of Jesus Christ in humanity is invaluable. He offered people a path to light, love, and goodness. For believers, the Savior's teachings serve as a moral code, and his image acts as a guiding star in life. This is why world culture throughout history has been imbued with his ideas. Painting is no exception. Throughout history, artists have turned to biblical themes and depicted Christ in their artworks.

In the following, you’ll learn which paintings featuring Jesus Christ are the most famous worldwide and discover the secrets behind their phenomenal popularity.

There are over 150 masterpieces of classical art worldwide depicting Christ. Let’s focus on the most renowned of them.

Today, Leonardo da Vinci’s "Salvator Mundi," depicting Jesus Christ, is the most controversial painting. Debates over its authenticity have been ongoing for the past decade, and its price has set all-time records. In 2017, the painting was sold at Christie’s for a record-breaking $450 million.

Leonardo’s “Salvator Mundi,” dating to 1499-1510, belongs to the iconographic tradition. The Savior is depicted in the Renaissance era’s characteristic blue garments. The figure is stationary, with a focused gaze directed straight at the viewer. In his left hand, he holds a crystal orb, while his right hand makes the sign of the cross. The composition symbolizes the creation and salvation of the world.

 

The painting’s location is equally uncertain. One theory suggests it is lost, while another proposes that it is part of a private collection on Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud's 134-meter yacht.

The renowned Late Spanish Renaissance artist El Greco created many paintings featuring Jesus Christ, most of which are narrative scenes with multiple figures. “Christ Carrying the Cross, however, is quite the opposite. Painted around 1580, at the start of his Toledo period, it depicts Jesus Christ alone, carrying the cross to Golgotha, making the ultimate sacrifice for all humanity.

His gentle hands grasp a rather large wooden beam, and his distant gaze is turned toward the heavens. The dark night and clouds in the sky, symbolizing impending doom, heightened the drama of the moment.

 

El Greco’s “Christ Carrying the Cross” is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Art historians consider Diego Velázquez's work, the prominent artist of the Madrid School during Spain’s Golden Age, unique in its portrayal of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. This portrayal resulted from his studies of the nude during his time in Rome, initially captured in the works “Apollo in the Forge of Vulcan” and “Joseph’s Tunic” (1630), followed by the iconic “Christ Crucified” (1632).

Velázquez’s painting “Christ Crucified” is remarkable for its dimensionality, depth, and exquisite realism. The composition beautifully combines the pure beauty of the naked body with a solemn calmness, dignity, and nobility. Christ’s body appears so striking that it could be likened to a photograph on a glossy magazine cover. It’s a frontal, life-sized nude figure without any additional narrative elements, with a dark background that immediately draws the viewer’s focus to the well-lit figure of the Savior.

Note the shadows. The interplay of light and dark sections gives Christ’s body texture, while the crucifixion scene gains depth. The distinct shadow to the right indicates that the cross with the crucified Christ is positioned against a wall. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of Christ’s head, is also impressive.

 

The painting, also known as “Jesus Christ on the Cross” or simply “The Crucifixion,” is housed in Spain’s Prado Museum, Madrid.

“Supper at Emmaus” was painted by Italian master Caravaggio in the early 1600s. It was commissioned by aristocrat Ciriaco Mattei. Notably, Caravaggio was paid only 150 crowns for his work. Today, however, this painting featuring Jesus Christ is a priceless global treasure.

The scene of Jesus Christ at the table is based on an episode from the Gospel of Luke (24:13-32). The story recounts a supper at an inn on the third day after Christ’s crucifixion, which had already become a momentous event for Christians. Two travelers encountered a stranger unaware of the recent events. They invited him to join them for supper and shared with him the sorrow of the crucifixion. The stranger then blessed and broke bread, explaining to his companions the scriptures concerning him, and in that moment, the travelers recognized the risen Messiah.

Note the dynamic nature of the composition in “Supper at Emmaus.” Nothing here is static. Jesus is narrating, and the traveler on the left rises from his chair in surprise. The one on the right throws his arms open in amazement. The third character—the innkeeper—remains unaware of the scene’s significance.

 

This painting of Jesus Christ at supper is part of the National Gallery’s collection in London.

The painting “The Raising of Lazarus” by the famed Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt can be considered a gem of world art. Created in the artist’s characteristic chiaroscuro style, it portrays the miraculous moment when Jesus commands Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, to rise from his tomb. This miracle was the last one Jesus performed during his earthly life.

The painting’s composition is flawless, and Rembrandt’s trademark division of light and dark creates a powerful effect. In the left, brightly lit section, we see the astonished witnesses of the miracle, while the dark portion depicts the resurrected Lazarus. Jesus Christ is symbolically positioned in the center, between light and shadow.

 

This painting of Jesus Christ by Rembrandt is displayed in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA.

Rembrandt painted a study of Christ’s head based on a Jewish model. The head is shown in a three-quarter view with a slight tilt to the left. Christ's gaze is directed off to the side, imparting a contemplative expression.

The work can be identified as a study because the model is portrayed spontaneously. The painting blends thick impasto in the darker areas with very thin layers in the lighter parts.

 

The painting is housed in the Berlin Gallery.

A survey of renowned artworks featuring Christ would be incomplete without mentioning modern paintings. The following are among the most popular and discussed works.