The image of Jesus as a fair-skinned, long-haired man in robes is iconic but likely inaccurate. These depictions, inspired by art like da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement, lack historical basis. The New Testament provides no description of Jesus, and no physical evidence exists.
Recent efforts to create a more accurate likeness use AI and forensic techniques. Digital artist Bas Uterwijk generated a Middle Eastern-looking Jesus using neural networks and cultural references. Similarly, British forensic experts and Israeli archaeologists, led by Dr. Richard Neave, reconstructed Jesus’ face from Semite skulls, suggesting he had a wide face, dark eyes, short curly hair, a beard, and tanned skin—characteristics typical of Galilean Semites.
Their analysis, paired with biblical and historical context, suggests Jesus was about 5-foot-1, 110 pounds, and muscular from carpentry work. This contrasts with Western portrayals and the long-haired image in the Shroud of Turin.
While these reconstructions spark debate, they provide a more plausible depiction of Jesus’ true appearance, challenging centuries-old artistic interpretations.
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