A Guest Posting by O.K. – Even in China They Know Jesus’ Characteristic Features

David Mo gave reference to the article:

• Chavanne–Mazel, Claudine A.: “Popular Belief and the Image of Beardless Christ” (Visual Resources, Vol 19, no 1; 2003; p. 19–24)

It is indeed interesting, and even mentions the Shroud. However its conclusion state:

The image [of Christ] was created through popular (low) culture and the Church had nothing to do with it. Legends and “authentic” images that came into being under low culture have generated a unanimous archetype rather than an archetype that created legends.

Really? One should consider the following:

• In Christian art, there is no single model of physical appearance for God the Father:
• nor for the Virgin Mary:
• nor for Jesus as a child:
• nor for John the Baptist:
• nor for Moses:
• nor for St. Peter:
• nor for St. Paul:
• nor for St. John:

Each of these Holy Figures have been portrayed with various looks, dependent on style, epoch and geographical area –their features vary significantly depending on those factors.

But since the 6th century onwards there is one dominant universal model for adult Jesus Christ with long hair, beard and skinny face!

• And even in China they know His characteristic features!

The basic question: WHY?

Pressure of the masses? Why not in the other cases?