Man of Sorrows by Paul Romeri-Grass Portrait of Christ in black and white

Isaiah 53: 2-3 teaches us that the Savior has no worldly beauty that we would desire him. That he is a Man of Sorrows “acquainted with grief." The blending of these two elements were very important while I was rendering this charcoal image.

If the Savior looked like a Hollywood Star, how could he know what it was like to not be picked for Prom or to have very few dates? In this drawing, I combined elements from reference and from my memory of a man who didn't appear to be completely physically attractive.

I meddled this with an eye that wasn't completely finished and other features to allow the viewer to complete the drawing in their mind's eye. Using this approach, the viewer is able to behold parts of his face and features that we may look over, features that might be less apparent than when He's performing a mighty act or offering a monumental sermon.

In addition, throughout our lives, we move closer to and away from the Savior; depending on our circumstances, we feel closer to or farther away from the Savior. Throughout His life, His circumstances change. His mission changes. His level of sorrow changes. As a result, His physical appearance changes. His facial expression at this moment purposefully evokes one fact: He knows our pain. I know he is a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with my grief and your grief.