Images of Jesus (1993)
Images of Jesus (1993) The first known image of Jesus, in 320 CE, was of an innocent shepherd boy. Subsequently, images of Jesus often reflected the wishes of the Catholic Church. Award-winning filmmaker Perry Wolff provides fascinating insights into this process. The Last Supper, for example, has had a major influence for five centuries. It is, in fact, a creation of Leonardi's facile imagination. In the 20th century Jesus is depicted in diverse ways, with African religious art perhaps the most imaginative. Clearly the image of Jesus (no contemporary portrait or description exists) reflects the times and politics of religion. The Vatican might be troubled at how Jesus (black or Asian) is portrayed in Africa and Asia in a context far from the traditional.
