Buste van Christus, door P. Puget c. 1875 - 1900

This photograph captures a bust of Christ by P. Puget. Here, Christ is depicted with long hair and a beard, symbols that have become inextricably linked with his image. These visual cues are not unique to Christianity; long hair and beards were often associated with wisdom and authority in the ancient world. We see similar depictions in classical images of philosophers and gods. Yet, within the Christian context, they take on a new weight, embodying Christ's spiritual authority and his role as a shepherd to his followers. Consider how these symbols have been reinterpreted over time. The long hair, once a symbol of wisdom, has been both embraced and rejected, embodying rebellion in some eras, and spiritual devotion in others. This constant re-evaluation speaks to the fluid nature of symbols, and their ability to reflect the changing values of different cultures.