Picturing Christ: Understanding Depictions of Jesus in History and Art

by Daniel Becerra, Jennifer Champoux, Mark D. Ellison

Picturing Christ tells the story of how Latter-day Saints and other Christians have imagined Jesus and portrayed him in art throughout history, as well as what the archaeological evidence suggests about what he might have looked like. Though what Jesus did is more important than how he looked, how we see him shapes us. Our assumptions about what Jesus would have looked like can have a significant impact on our relationships with Deity, ourselves, and one another.

Co-written by three professors of ancient scripture and an art historian, Picturing Christ walks us through the developments in art of Jesus throughout the centuries to help us begin to see him in new and transformative ways. By studying Jesus’s appearance and the long tradition of artistic efforts to reflect and appreciate his likeness, you will better understand the nature of our Savior and come closer to him.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2026

About the author

Daniel Becerra is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and is a scholar of early Christianity. He holds secondary specialties in New Testament and in Greco-Roman philosophy. He received a PhD in Religion (Early Christianity) and an MA in Religious Studies from Duke University, a MTS in New Testament/Early Christianity from Harvard Divinity School, and a BA in Ancient Near Eastern studies from Brigham Young University. His primary research interests concern moral formation in Late Antiquity (ca. 2nd–7th centuries CE), particularly within Christian ascetic contexts. He also researches topics relating to theology and ethics in the Book of Mormon.

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is essentially four fascinating lectures on what Christ may have actually looked like, how he has been portrayed throughout history, how he has been depicted in Mormon history, and what benefits come from a many-varied portrayal of Jesus. I loved reading it right around the Easter season (though admittedly it was hard to then see just how many clothes we cover him in - and all people in his time period!). Easy and quick to read, from people who have the credentials to write knowledgeably on the subject.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Art may be seen as an expression of faith-a testimony born visually rather than in words." - Daniel Becerra

Art that "features a diversity of cultures and styles also creates more opportunities for connection and inclusion in the global Church."

What an insightful book about Christ in art! I loved walking through history to understand what he may look like through a historical lens as a Jew during his life. Then, I loved exploring Christ in art through the early ages and learning why he may have been pictured in many different ways. I especially loved reading how the LDS perspective of visual art has changed over the years and the history of LDS art. I connected with Becerra's chapter, Diverse Representations of Christ especially. I love that more modern art pictures of Christ portrayed in a myriad of ways are available for me to learn from and strengthen my testimony of my Savior and his mission.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at how art through the ages has depicted Christ.