99% Invisible Your Own Personal Jesus
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Feb 11, 2025 
Christopher Johnson, a cultural historian and expert on religious imagery, dives into the fascinating evolution of the 'Head of Christ' painting by Warner Salmon. They discuss how this 1940 artwork became the most widely recognized depiction of Jesus, influencing perceptions across America. The conversation touches on the transformation of religious imagery in Black churches and its cultural significance, the societal pressures that shaped Salmon's artistic choices, and the complex legacy of racialized depictions of Jesus in shaping community identities.
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Sallman's Dream
- Warner Sallman, a commercial illustrator, dreamt of Jesus' image while on deadline for a church magazine.
- This dream became the basis for his iconic Head of Christ painting.
Muscular Christianity
- Sallman's image reflected concerns about American Christian men becoming 'soft' amid societal changes.
- This led to the 'Muscular Christianity' movement, promoting strong, masculine Jesus imagery.
Early Circulation
- Sallman's initial charcoal sketch of Jesus circulated within his Midwest church community.
- It wasn't widely known outside that region until later.