Jesus Christ is an instantly recognizable figure, perhaps the most frequently depicted in all Western art. Since scripture does not provide a description of what Christ looked like, painters and mosaic-makers would often resort to the artistic canons of their time to create an image of the Nazarene. Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo delves into some of the most impactful portrayals of Christ, uncovering how social, political, and religious contexts directly shaped the iconic image we recognize today. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)