Artists and painters have created countless images of Jesus Christ, which many Churches and Christians have embraced and used for centuries during prayer and worship. After all, believers are inclined to want physical ways of connecting with God, sometimes through Jesus’ drawings.
From the famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci to those of lesser-known artists such as El Greco, there are many drawings and paintings of Jesus Christ with individual artistic styles and flair.
In this article, expect to see and learn about various drawings of Jesus Christ. You will get to know the artists behind them when they were made and brief, exciting facts about the pieces.
15 Drawings of Jesus
Over the centuries, artists have created artworks depicting the life and image of Jesus Christ. Some of the most famous paintings and drawings of Jesus can be found below.
The Salvator Mundi by Leonardo Da Vinci (1499 – 1510)
This is a beautiful yet controversial depiction of Jesus Christ in a classic Renaissance gown where He is making the sign of the cross with one hand and holding a clear orb in the other. The painting has been highly scrutinized for its exorbitant price tag and questions about its real artist.
The Transfiguration by Raphael (1516 – 1520)
Raphael, an Italian painter, chose to illustrate the glow of Jesus Christ during His Transfiguration before His disciples on the mountain. The Catholic Church well received this painting as Pope Clement VII commissioned painting and took it as an altarpiece in the Narbonne Cathedral Church, France.
Christ Crucified by Diego Velázquez (1632)
This is a famous oil painting of Jesus’ last moments as He was crucified. It is a powerful image that artistically captures one of the most critical moments in the Christian faith.
Christ Carrying the Cross by Titan (1508 – 1509)
This sad, dark painting accurately captures the somber mood of Jesus as He carried the cross on His shoulder up to His execution site. There is still a mystery over the true painter behind this piece as some attribute it to Titan while others claim Giorgione is the true artist.
Crucifixion by Francis Bacon (1933)
Crucifixion is a famous painting that has captured the interest of many because of its highly abstract nature, which is the general art style of Francis Bacon. It is a fascinating dark art piece that depicts Jesus Christ as a white stick man.
Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio (1601)
Caravaggio is an Italian painter famous for creating life-like artworks with dramatic themes. Supper at Emmaus is no different as it captures a recently resurrected Jesus Christ with Cleopas and Luke in the village of Emmaus.
The Man of Sorrows in The Arms of a Virgin by Hans Memling (1475 – 1479)
This painting is said to show Jesus Christ as “an image of pity.” It shows Jesus with open wounds from His crucifixion in the arms of His distraught mother, The Virgin Mary.
The Yellow Christ by Paul Gauguin (1889)
This bold, vibrant painting with great emphasis on vivid colors an oxymoron to the scene of pain and torment it captures. Paul Gauguin shows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with Him nailed to the cross and praying women at His feet.
The Last Judgement by Michelangelo (1541)
Michelangelo created a polarizing art piece that is overwhelming in size and character. There are numerous people in the painting, and it took him roughly 4 years to create it. Jesus Christ can be seen at the bottom of the painting with Him nailed to the cross and crucified.
The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci (1498)
This is one of the most famous paintings in the world and arguably the most popular painting of Jesus with His disciples. It shows Jesus Christ at the last meal He shared with His disciples, where He told them of the betrayal He would face.
Christ Carrying the Cross by El Greco (1580)
Spanish artist El Greco has made many paintings of Christ, but this is one of his standout pieces. It shows Jesus carrying His cross up to Golgotha and oddly shows Christ at peace with no one else in the image. All focus is on Him.
Christ in the Realm of the Dead by Joakim Skovgaard (1891 – 1894)
Joakim, in this imagery, shows Jesus Christ entering the realm of the dead, where Adam and Eve may be seen at the front of the crowd, and a dark figure can be seen moving away. The people have their arms stretched out to Christ, implying that they seek Salvation from Him.
Disputation of the Holy Sacrament by Raphael (1509 – 1510)
This is another of Raphael’s highly regarded paintings in the Roman Catholic faith. The painting shows Jesus Christ surrounded by a halo of light and representatives of the Church.
Baptism of Christ by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci (1470 -1475)
This is a collaborative art piece between then-master Andrea del Verrocchio and pupil Leonardo da Vinci, where they artistically captured Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Doves, as well as the outstretched arms of the Lord, are also seen in the painting.
Christ of Saint John of the Cross by Salvador Dali (1951)
This is one of the most recent artworks depicting Jesus Christ. It is a powerful, shadowy image of Him nailed to the cross floating above a water body. According to the painter, it is meant to show the crucifixion in a dream-like realm.
References
- Why Is the Salvator Mundi Called the World’s Most Controversial Painting?
- Famous Paintings of Jesus – A Look at The Art of Jesus Christ
- Christ Carrying the Cross
- 1930s
- The Yellow Christ, 1889 by Paul Gauguin
- Michelangelo, Last Judgement, Sistine Chapel
- Last Supper, painting by Leonardo da Vinci
- Christ Carrying the Cross
- The Baptism of Christ – by Leonardo da Vinci
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
