When we think of
influential artists, we instantly recognize names such as Michelangelo, DaVinci
and Rembrandt. However, I’m guessing that unless you are an art buff you
probably don’t recognize the name Warner Sallman. Even though Sallman may not
be a household name, his impact on the lives of people is arguably just as
profound as the Renaissance greats.
Warner Sallman was born on
April 30, 1892, in Chicago. He became interested in art at an early age. After
graduating high school, Sallman enrolled in a Bible college at the encouragement
of a friend. While receiving his theological training, Sallman recalled a
conversation with the dean of the school which had a definite impact on his
life. The dean said, “Warner, some time I hope you give us your conception of
Christ. And I hope it’s a manly one. Most of our pictures today are too
effeminate.”
In 1924, Sallman produced
a sketch for a magazine cover that portrayed a strong yet serene image of
Jesus. This sketch was the basis of what would become Sallman’s most
recognizable painting, The Head of Christ, which has been reproduced an
estimated 500 million times on prints, Bibles, prayer cards, candles, stamps
and just about anything else you can think of. Sallman’s 1940 painting has
shaped generations’ perception of Jesus Christ.
Amazingly, in 2016 a man
perusing a Chicago thrift store stumbled across two versions of The Head of
Christ, one in oil and the other in chalk. The man bought them for a few
dollars and had them appraised by experts. Turns out, they were two original
concepts done by Sallman before he settled on the final form. These incredible
finds were both sold for $135,000 to a collector.[1]
Sallman once said of his
work, “I give God the glory for whatever has been accomplished by my efforts to
bring joy and happiness to people throughout the world.”[2]
Sallman went on to be with the Lord 1968, but his handiwork still blesses
people today.
Sallman’s story reminds me
of another famous artist that the Lord used in the Old Testament. In Exodus 31
we read about a craftsman named Bezalel. He was not a priest, prophet or king.
He was a simple, yet talented man that worked with his hands. Bezalel was commissioned
by the Lord to construct the Ark of the Covenant and other holy items that
would be used in the Tabernacle.
In fact, Bezalel is the
first person in Scripture to be described as filled with the Spirit of God. “See
I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I
have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with
knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Ex. 31:3).
God called this humble “unknown”
to accomplish an important job that would serve His people for centuries. When we
think of people greatly used by God, Bezalel isn’t at the top of the list.
However, his inclusion in Scripture teaches us that you don’t need to be famous
to be faithful.
We miss the mark when we
consider our jobs unimportant to God. Bezalel understood that he was working
for God, and each of us today should think of our daily labors in the same way.
As Paul reminds us, “23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not
for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your
reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col. 2:23-24). -DM
[1]
Matt Masterson, “Rare ‘Head of Christ’ Originals Found in Chicago Thrift Store
Sell for $135K,” WTTW NEWS, 29 March 2018 <https://news.wttw.com/2018/03/29/rare-head-christ-originals-found-chicago-thrift-store-sell-135k>
[2]
<https://www.warnersallman.com/about/the-artist/>
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