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.
Follow the links below to trace the life, death and resurrection of Christ. You can also visit the Gallery and take our Life of Christ audio tour to discover more about Christ's life story through our collection.
