The art of painting portraits, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be examined through the broader biblical context of art, craftsmanship, and the representation of human likenesses. The Bible provides insights into the value and purpose of artistic expression, as well as the theological implications of depicting human beings.

Art and Craftsmanship in the Bible

The Bible acknowledges and celebrates artistic skill and craftsmanship. In the construction of the Tabernacle, God specifically chose and endowed Bezalel and Oholiab with the Spirit of God, granting them wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:1-6). This divine endorsement of artistic ability underscores the value placed on creativity and skill in the service of God's purposes.

Human Likeness and the Image of God

The creation of humanity in the image of God is a foundational biblical concept. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This theological truth affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every person, suggesting that the depiction of human likenesses in art can be a reflection of God's creative work.

Idolatry and the Caution Against Graven Images

While the Bible affirms artistic expression, it also warns against the creation of graven images for the purpose of idolatry. The Second Commandment explicitly prohibits the making of carved images or likenesses for worship (Exodus 20:4-5). This caution is rooted in the concern that physical representations could lead to the worship of created things rather than the Creator.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, portraiture as we understand it today was not a common practice. However, the ancient Near Eastern cultures surrounding Israel did engage in creating likenesses, often for religious or commemorative purposes. The Israelites were distinct in their avoidance of such practices, largely due to the prohibitions against idolatry.

Theological Reflections on Portraiture

From a theological perspective, the painting of portraits can be seen as an extension of the God-given ability to create and appreciate beauty. When approached with the right intent, portraiture can honor the uniqueness of individuals as bearers of God's image. It can also serve as a means of preserving the memory and legacy of individuals, reflecting the biblical theme of remembrance.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly address the painting of portraits, it provides principles that can guide the practice. Artistic expression, when aligned with biblical values, can be a means of glorifying God and celebrating the beauty of His creation.Ezekiel 23:14
And that she increased her prostitutions: for when she saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion,
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
... The Holy Ghost has also given us a series of lifelike portraits of human nature ... us
stand before these three pictures, as we would stand before the painting of a ...
/.../chapter x acts 26 24-29 portraits.htm

Christ Crucified
... God gives his ministers a brush, and shows them how to use it in painting
life-like portraits, and thus the sinner hears the special call. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ crucified.htm

Acts xiii. 42
... Then so ought it to be here: for here too we are employed in painting portraits,
royal portraits (every one of them), none of any private man, by means [708 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx acts xiii 42.htm

Ephesians vi. 3-Jan
... For if men for making statues and painting portraits of kings enjoy so great honor,
shall not we who adorn the image of the King of kings, (for man is the ...
/.../homily xxi ephesians vi 3-jan.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... in his latter days, crippled by partial paralysis, he went back to his early art
and earned a living by painting flowers and retouching portraits and landscapes ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... is a study of the genius of man as shown in architecture, in sculpture, and in painting. ...
The figures are three feet in height and many of them are portraits. ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
... The face and figure that look out upon us from the best portraits of Luther tell
us ... are there, and nobody who is not a fool would think of painting that homely ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/luthera stone on the cairn.htm

While the Foregoing Scene was Taking Place at the Vatican...
... the faces of these were all familiar, and were the life-like portraits of many ... to
be actually spoken aloud from the vivid color and movement of the painting. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxix while the foregoing scene.htm

Papal Tombs.
... Next to these portraits, in the power of exciting the imagination and appealing
to ... comes his share in the construction of S. Peter's; in the painting of the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... A wall-painting remains of a gold epergne, which represents men and monkeys ... The
portraits of her which have been preserved represent her as having refined ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

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