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. 5 key paintings illustrate Christ's life and include works by Raphael and Caravaggio.

Introduction

Christian paintings are at the heart of the National Gallery's collection. Religious themes were virtually the only focus for medieval European painters, and the Catholic Church and its supporters remain major artistic patrons long after that.

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.