The Evolving Face of Jesus: From Symbol to Self

Conventional histories of Christian art often focus on European traditions, overlooking the rich visual cultures of Africa and the African diaspora. From early symbols like the Ichthys and Chi-Rho in Roman catacombs to Nubian frescoes, Ethiopian illuminated manuscripts, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, African artists created their own sacred imagery. Enslaved Africans in the Americas encoded faith and hope into spirituals, while twentieth-century and contemporary African-American artists reclaimed Christ’s image in murals, prints, and statues. This ongoing dialogue across continents and centuries demonstrates that the face of Jesus is not fixed but reflects the cultures and experiences of those who depict him.