Images of Jesus are common throughout Christian church paintings over 1,000 years. In early days of Christianity, Jesus was often represented by symbols such as Ichthys (fish), peacock or an anchor. Oldest extant paintings of Jesus as a person date back to late 2nd to 4th century, primarily found in Roman catacombs.
The Healing of Paralytic
Year Painted: c.235
Location: Dura-Europos, Syria
Image Depicted: Christ healing a paralytic, gets up and walks away
Materials Used: Paint on plaster
Found on a wall in Dura-Europos church in Syria. Believed to be the oldest surviving Christian churches in the world.
The Good Shepherd
Year Painted: c. mid-3rd century
Location: Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Rome, Italy
Image Depicted: Young, beardless Jesus carrying a lamb
Materials Used: Paint on plaster
These catacombs are oldest in Rome, best known for art as well as the Cypt of the Popes.
Adoration of the Magi
Year Painted:: c. mid-3rd century
Location: Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome, Italy
Image Depicted: The three Magi bringing their gifts to Jesus, after his birth
Materials Used: Paint on plaster
Adoration of the Magi, most common depicted images of Jesus’ birth, early Christian art.
Christ Between Peter and Paul
Year Painted: c.4th century
Location: Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter, Rome, Italy
Image Depicted: Christ sitting with Paul on his right and Peter on his left
Materials Used: Paint on plaster
This painting is one of the first to show Jesus as older and bearded.
The Mosaic of St. Pudenziana
Year Painted: c.410 – 417
Location: Santa Pudenziana, Rome, Italy
Image Depicted: Christ sitting on a jewel encrusted throne surrounded by His apostles
Materials Used: Paint on plaster; gold leaf
Jesus and His Apostles
Year Painted: c. early 5th century
Location: Catacombs of St. Domitilla, Rome, Italy
Image Depicted: Christ on throne among two groups of apostles
Materials Used: Paint on plaster
The religious frescoes of catacombs were found in an “introduction,” which shows a “a personal presentation of the dead to Christ.”
Good Shepherd Mosaic
Year Painted: c.425
Location: Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Italy
Image Depicted: Christ as Good Shepherd among a flock of sheep
Materials Used: Mosaic – pieces of stone or glass
Instead of carrying a lamb on his shoulder, Jesus is sitting among his flock, wearing gold and purple robes. A great example showing Jesus as a simple man to depicting Him as a King of Heaven.