Christ bénissant (autoportrait)
1859
Here we have a case of divine vanity: Ernst Deger reportedly used his own face as the model for Jesus in this 1859 masterpiece. The painting captures the Romantic era's love for emotion, showing Christ with gentle blue eyes and a flowing red robe. His hand is raised in a specific blessing gesture—two fingers up to represent his dual nature as human and divine. This image became a massive hit in 19th-century Germany, ending up in countless churches and homes as a comforting symbol of faith.
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