25+ Stunning Portraits of Jesus

Simon Dewey is a well-known artist among Latter-day Saint and other Christian audiences. You can recognize each of his paintings and portraits of Jesus Christ by the flawless brushstrokes and breathtaking detail.

For this piece, Simon focuses on light. This portrait of Jesus communicates the peace, hope, and healing that He will bring to each of our lives if we let Him in. Life will never be easy--sometimes especially for believers of Christ--but it will hold meaning and purpose. Peace and happiness are not always equivalent. Happiness comes and goes in seasons, but peace and trust in God can last us a lifetime.

Here we see a similar focus. This portrait of Jesus portrays the Savior as strong and able to carry our burdens. Light illuminates his gentle expression and all around him is steady and calm. 

It is interesting to note that, historically, many people expected the prophesied Messiah to be a military leader. However, Simon shows us that true power and strength comes from God, not by worldly force or titles. No leader in history has accomplished more for the human family than Jesus Christ.

Here we see a softer portrait of Jesus. The colors are deeper and the light dimmer. We love this piece for the certainty in the Savior’s expression. It perfectly illustrates the title, I Am, and reminds us of the teachings the apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Romans:

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

This portrait of Jesus has a unique title in that it doesn’t reference Christ directly. Rather, it is referring to the hope that He can bring us. Through Jesus Christ, all things can work out for our good. 

Whether that be sins, regrets, mistakes, tragedies, or other challenges, Christ has “descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:6).

Simon’s more simple portrait of Jesus holds the same depth and feelings of peace as the previous ones. However, in this case, we see a more even-toned background. This painting depicts the Savior in a way that feels relatable and approachable.

We’ll finish this section with a nod towards one of history’s most iconic Christian artwork pieces: The Last Supper. While Simon did not paint the entire group of disciples, as we see in da Vinci’s masterpiece, we can still sense the sacred nature of that event. 

This is the only portrait of Jesus we have so far where He is breaking the bread to institute the sacrament. His expression is somber and humble, suggesting that He knows what is to come but that He is willing to do the will of the Father.

Brent Borup is also a prolific artist when it comes to portraits of Jesus. This painting was created mostly with shades of white, indicating the cleanliness and purity that we often associate with Heaven. It is similar to the Simon painting mentioned at the beginning. The difference is that Brent's portrait of Jesus has no other details. The entire focus is on the Savior and His entire focus appears to be on us. It calls to mind the scripture we read in the book of Isaiah:

“Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” (Isaiah 49:15)

This second portrait of Jesus Christ also focuses on His steady gaze. We like this theme. It reminds us that God is ever watchful and aware of us not because He enjoys watching us fail, as we may sometimes think. Rather, He understands our pain and wants to help us succeed. 

We may turn our gaze away from the Savior, but He will never lose sight of us.

In general, the previous portraits have focused on either neutral or breathtaking backdrops. In this painting, we can see a simple depiction of the ocean as Christ walks along the shore.

The blue hues chosen by the artist make it feel as if we are there, smelling the salty air, hearing the tide, and feeling the gentle breeze.

This is another rare portrait of Jesus. While we’ve seen many paintings of Christ smiling, it is not typical to find religious artwork of His grin. This painting is a reminder of the reason Jesus suffered for us in Gethsemane and on the cross:

“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” (2 Nephi 2:25)

Annie Nader spent time in various locations of Europe, which inspires her stucco art style. We love this portrait of Jesus for all of its textures and layered meaning. The halo of light around His head illustrates His divine mission as the Savior of the world. The leaves in the backdrop speak of hope and new beginnings. 

As if to emphasize that point, the empty tomb in the background reminds us of the miracle of Christ’s resurrection and the victory over death. Because of Jesus Christ, we can find hope, new beginnings, and eternal life in a world that is often dark, condemning, and fading.

In Annie’s second portrait of Jesus, she included a textured pattern of white flowers to overlay part of the image of Christ. This detail, as well as the golden rays that appear to shine down, represent the redeeming grace in the title. 

The grace of Christ is immensely powerful, but also subtle. It is something that illuminates or blooms in our lives, adds life to our everyday journey as followers of Jesus.

This portrait of Jesus is one of Annie’s newest works. Her subdued colors and variety of textures make this painting feel as if it were chipped directly off the wall of an old cathedral. We love the theme of light she uses. 

In the background, you may also notice what appears to be a globe, suggesting that Christ’s redeeming light has the power to reach all of us if we choose to let it into our lives.

This is another portrait of Jesus based on the style of the old masters, as is Joseph Brickey’s style. The Savior is depicted as broad, masculine, and pure. For this painting, the artist points out that:

“The Hebrew word Messiah and the Greek word Christ are both given to Jesus and both mean the anointed one. In this painting, Christ is shown anointed by light, accepting the Father’s will as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed for the sins of the people, and equally, being crowned Lord of lords and the King of Israel. Thus the light represents both God’s will and God’s glory, which we cannot accept separately, and which Christ has shown perfectly how to accept both.”

For this second painting, Joseph chose to depict the Savior looking directly at the viewer. The main focus appears to be Christ’s eyes which the artist portrayed as deep and penetrating but also gentle. 

Such is the influence of Jesus Christ in our lives. He will not force us in our decisions, but He can help us focus on what matters most because, as the scriptures tell us, He sees the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10)

Here we see a portrait of Jesus in an entirely new medium. Rather than use paints, Joseph chose to sketch this piece. The sepia tones bring a sense of calm while the Savior’s expression adds a sense of steadiness.

The sketch is well balanced, further communicating trust and peace. What attributes of Christ and His character stand out to you in this image?

Jorge Cocco is known for his abstract approach to religious art. He calls his style “sacrocubism” since he applies cubism-like principles to sacred topics. 

His entire goal as an artist is not to achieve perfect accuracy. Rather, it is to communicate deep spiritual messages to the mind. Often, these are messages we may otherwise miss if we are too distracted by the details. What do you see in this unique portrait of Jesus?

This is one piece of a series of portraits of Jesus done by Jorge. The artist chose to portray the Savior at different angles, this particular painting focusing on a direct view of Christ’s face. 

Characteristic of Jorge’s work, the different colors and shapes hold layers of spiritual meaning. 

Not everyone views an art piece or even reads a sentence the same way, especially in this case. Perhaps that is, in part, what the artist is communicating; each of our relationships with Christ is unique and personal to our life experiences. 

This third painting by Jorge has a more basic color palette than his previous portraits. The picture is made mostly of whites and blues with a touch of red.

The overall cool color tone balances out the busy movement and activity present in the various lines and shapes.

The halo above Jesus’ head reflects the main message of his piece: Christ’s divinity as the Son of God.

Robert Pack chose a different angle for this first portrait of Jesus. He is not looking directly at us but rather He has a downcast gaze. He appears to be deep in thought. 

The title Gentle Savior implies that He is thinking about something possibly painful. It illustrates that Jesus Christ is powerful as well as sensitive to our pain. He can heal us because He understands our suffering.

Similar to the artist’s previous painting, we see a portrait of Christ in which He appears genuinely concerned. Throughout the New Testament, we read accounts of Jesus taking time for those who were regularly ignored. He dined with sinners, walked among lepers, and carried deep respect for women and children. All in all, He often showed compassion for those in society who were unable to help themselves. 

Likewise, He cares for us. Robert masterfully captures that emotion here.

Heather gives us a uniquely up-close portrait of Jesus Christ. The focus here is the Savior’s eyes. They are bright and hopeful as well as calm and caring. Heather seemed less concerned about portraying historical detail and accuracy and more about conveying the message of Christ’s love.

Often it is easy to think that we have strayed too far for God to help us, but that is never true. No matter our mistakes and shortcomings, Jesus Christ can always make things work out for our good if we are willing to turn to Him.

Unlike the previous portraits of Jesus, this painting by Kristin Yee has a more somber tone. The background is nothing but darkness, and Christ Himself is turned away from the viewer. His gaze is down and his expression solemn, but his posture is still even and straight.  

This painting is a tribute to the pain, both physical and emotional, Jesus Christ suffered on our behalf. It is a reminder of the deep love and spiritual strength it would have taken to partake of the bitter cup. (3 Nephi 11:11)

This plea that Christ gave His apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane has interested Christians for centuries.

Jeff brings it home by depicting that exhausted, lonely plea in a portrait. It is difficult to look at this piece without feeling an increased appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice and a desire to deepen our devotion.

Similarly, Darin Ashby’s portrait of Jesus has a more intense tone. The title reminds us of a comforting truth, yet the Savior’s expression is hard and focused. 

Perhaps the artist’s message here is to take the instruction of “be still” more seriously. We truly can trust in the strength of our Savior and the foresight of our Creator. They would not have us living in fear but rather hope and confidence.

Jay’s portrait of Jesus is another that gives us an up-close view of the Savior. There is little blank space, making Christ our focus. The title Out of Nazareth suggests that the artist may have wanted us to recognize that Jesus did not come to earth as an imposing figure. He was born in a stable and raised in a small area of the world. 

Similarly, some of the most powerful things God grants us in our lives may not be large and dramatic. As the prophet, Alma taught: “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise” (Alma 37:6).