The Head of Christ c. 1500 - 1510

This is an anonymous print of ‘The Head of Christ’. Given the lack of verifiable metadata, any reading of the work remains speculative. Nevertheless, we can infer some key insights from the subject matter and the historical context of similar imagery. Images of Christ such as this one gained prominence during the medieval period, especially within the cult of the Holy Face. Often these images purported to be true likenesses, miraculously imprinted on cloth, such as the Veil of Veronica. The faithful believed these portraits possessed the power to protect, heal, or even offer salvation. The image becomes an object of veneration. The visual representation of Christ can also be understood through a gendered lens. Christ is often depicted with long hair, a beard, and soft facial features, blending masculine and feminine traits. These representations challenge strict gender binaries, offering a more inclusive vision of divinity. This image invites us to consider the complex interplay of faith, identity, and representation in the medieval world.