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Where did the "traditional" look of Jesus come about?
I happened to see a story that was about what Jesus *probably* looked like and how it was different from what he has always been portrayed as: gentle caucasian with long wavy hair, beard, etc. Where did the traditional image originate?
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Julie P.
MOM to 3 sweeties, Aiden, Payton, and Avery!
I happened to see a story that was about what Jesus *probably* looked like and how it was different from what he has always been portrayed as: gentle caucasian with long wavy hair, beard, etc. Where did the traditional image originate?
I would think within the Catholic church, since they are the oldest established Christian faith (other than Gnostics).
Darn it, lol...I thought I could find that link from Netscape, but I can't. Some researchers tried to create what He would have looked like based on facial features of people back then, that sort of thing. Short hair, olive skin, kinda chunky; TOTALLY different than what I am used to seeing. I like Him better portrayed as the kind, gentle figure.
Just a guess but I would think that a Mediteranean/Middle Eastern look would be a more accurate description - after all isn't the whole history in the Middle East??!!
In my church we only have icons, no statues or other renditions of Jesus, the saints, apostles, etc. Icons almost always have the same facial features, regardless of who is depicted, because all people are made in the image of the face on the shroud. If you look closely, they all have a strong brow, long nose, small mouth, thin face, and a line accross the neck (where the shroud's image ends).
As an aside, my son who is in the pic below is often called Jesus because he looks like what a lot of people think Jesus looked like. HIs hair is pulled back in this pic, but it goes past his shoulders. In fact, when I have to describe him, I say it, too. (All the girls at school say Orlando Bloom or Johnny Depp. At least its not Walter Matthau!)
I agree...your son does look like what Jesus is "supposed" to look like. And a little Johnny Depp, too, lol. Anyway...I wonder where this preconceived picture came from. Mama2many, I agree; you *would* think that he would look like the people from around that time. I'm going to try and find that link so I can show you because it is eerie in a way.
I always thought the blonde, blue-eyed Jesus was an Anglo American development. Here's a link with a lot of different interpretations of how Jesus may have looked:
What is so funny or ironic about that is -- what if the Shroud of Turin is truly a fake, as so many believe (I do), and what if that image is truly Leonardo DaVinci??!!! Considering his views on the "church" I find that pretty amusing to say the least.
What is so funny or ironic about that is -- what if the Shroud of Turin is truly a fake, as so many believe (I do), and what if that image is truly Leonardo DaVinci??!!! Considering his views on the "church" I find that pretty amusing to say the least.
Grassaf,
Becca
I haven't read the Da Vinci Code. What exactly were Da Vinci's views supposedly?
I still don't think that the caucasian, blonde Jesus is of Catholic origins. The long hair and beard may be though. All the early icons and paintings I've seen show a dark skinned, dark haired Jesus.
I know of men in our time who have seen the Savior. I'm doing searches because I remember hearing once that one of them saw a picture of Him and said that was the rendering he thought most like the personage he'd seen.
I'll link it if I can find it, but maybe another LDS mama knows what I'm talking about?
Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace. Don't worry about clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are his precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. -Richard G. Scott
Traditional icons are not supposed to really represent the image of the person they depict as much as they are supposed to point you in a spiritual direction. Icons, also, are all the same. Templates are used and there are specific colors that are used. Evidently this dates back to the evangelist Luke... History of Icons
On that same page there are some great links to learn more about iconography.
Please keep in mind that real icons are not mere imagery or symbols, or even art- but a spiritual tradition.
However, isn't art about self expression? If your self sees Jesus one way, then why not?
Not light skin and brown straight hair like he is portrayed in so many images that I've seen. I also think he was not such a "pretty boy" either. I bet that first image originated from a church or group that is white and male dominated. (I guess that fits in with what Becca said)
Michelle
__________________ "If it (salvation) is based solely on following rules, then it isn't grace via faith in Jesus Christ"
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