Man dressed in simple clothes, robe and sandals, standing next to a square stone pit, holding a square stone and hammer on over his other shoulder.Previous Image: I Remember Those Who Are on the Isles of the SeaNext Image: The Family of Man

Jesus of Nazareth

Anthony Sweat (1976 – )

Medium

United States
ca. 2022
44.5 × 32.5 × 2 in.
Acrylic and oil on board

Using details drawn from historical research—the complexion and hairstyles of Roman Judea, the clothing recorded in early Christian mosaics, and the setting of natural Nazarene winepresses looked over by vineyard watchtowers—the artist portrays Jesus as a tektōn, or a craftsman builder. The winepress symbolizes Christ’s Atonement, the event that makes Christ the Chief Cornerstone, which is held in the Savior’s hand.

"Painting Jesus in His historical Jewish context can be important, not only to better understand some of His teachings but also to help balance more traditional Eurocentric portraits of Jesus."