Origins of the Dominant Jesus Image

The 1940 painting 'Head of Christ' by Warner Solomon significantly influenced the widespread mental image of Jesus that many people hold today. This image, characterized by a white, bearded man with blue eyes and long hair, became the most recognizable depiction of Jesus globally after its creation. Solomon, a commercial illustrator, initially created a charcoal sketch for a church magazine but later transformed it into a full-color oil painting at the behest of marketing representatives. The painting was then mass-produced, which led to million copies being distributed, solidifying this portrayal of Jesus in the collective consciousness of many Christians.