Tour: Life of Christ
Detail from Piero della Francesca, The Baptism of Christ, 1450s
This short tour will take you on a journey from the birth of Christ to his death and resurrection. These five key paintings, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio, illustrate key moments in the life of Christ.
Introduction
Christian paintings are at the heart of the National Gallery's collection. Religious themes were virtually the only focus for medieval European painters. The Church continued to act as a major artistic patron long afterwards.
Christianity is centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth (Christ), as told by the New Testament. Followers believe that he was the son of God, a man who lived, died and was resurrected 2,000 years ago in order to save humankind from sin. Paintings of his life were, and for many Christians still are, a crucial part of religious devotion.
The following examples trace the life, death and resurrection of Christ:
The life of Christ
The Adoration of the Kings
Jan Gossaert
The Baptism of Christ
Piero della Francesca
The Mond Crucifixion
Raphael
The Supper at Emmaus
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
Related events
Related exhibition: paintings and painted sculpture from the Spanish Golden Age
See also
- Use our interactive floorplan to locate paintings
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN