Doheny Memorial Library, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0189 Public Domain. Release under the CC BY Attribution license--http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--Credit both “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library; From the California Historical Society Collection at the University of Southern California Send requests to address or e-mail given USC Libraries Special Collections specol@usc.edu
Description
Photograph of a printed explanation of the "Head of Christ" copied from a miniature medallion of a very early period. Found in the Vatican, and painted from a description in a supposed letter, written by Publius Lentullus, President of Judea in the days of the Jesus Christ. Transcription: "Description of the person of our Saviour -- The following was taken from a manuscript now in the possession of Lord Kelly, and in his library, and was copied from an original letter of Publius Lentullus at Rome. It being the usual custom of Roman Governors to advertise the Senate and people of such material things as happened in their provinces, in the days of Tiberius Caesar, Publius Lentullus, President of Judea, wrote the following epistle to the Senate, concerning our Saviour: -- 'There appeared in these our days, a man of great virtue, named Jesus Christ, who is yet living among us, and of the Gentiles is accepted for a Prophet of truth, but his own disciples call him the Son of God -- he raiseth the dead and cureth all manner of diseases. A man of stature somewhat tall and comely, with very reverend countanance, such as the beholders may both love an fear -- his hair of the colour of chestnut full ripe, plain to his ears, whence downward, it is more orient and curling and wavering about his shoulders. In the midst of his head is a seam or partition in his hair, after the manner of the Nazarites. His forehead plain and very delicate his face without spot or wrinkle, beautified with a lovely red his nose and mouth so formed as nothing can be reprehended his beard thickish, in colour like his hair -- not very long, but forked his look innocent and mature his eyes gray, clear, and quick. In reproving he is terrible in admonishing courteous and fair spoken pleasant in conversation, mixed with gravity. It cannot be remembered that any have seen him laugh, but many have seen him weep. In proportion of body most excellent his hands and arms most delicate to behold. In speaking very temperate, modest, and wise. A man, for his singular beauty, surpassing the children of men.' -- "
Type
text
Format
2 photographs : glass photonegative, photoprint, b&w 22 x 17 cm, 21 x 15 cm. glass plate negatives photographic prints photographs
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