The Transformation of Christ in Art: From the Catacombs to Caravaggio

The depiction of Jesus in Western art underwent dramatic transformation from the earliest known images through the Baroque period of early modernity. What unique social and artistic influences shaped these changes? The answers are far more complex than mere artistic representation.

In a richly illustrated talk, historian Cheryl White examines diverse depictions and progressions of Christ’s images across time in the context of their socio-cultural environments. Her survey encompasses the ancient catacombs of Rome; the Byzantine iconography of Christ as Pantocrator; the changing images on Byzantine and early-medieval coinage; high-medieval altarpieces such as that of January Van Eyck at Ghent; and works by the great masters of the High Renaissance. White includes an examination of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and Michelangelo’s Last Judgment and concludes in the Baroque period with the unique expressive representations of Christ by Caravaggio.

White is a professor of history at Louisiana State University, Shreveport.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.