Why do Jesus & Virgin Mary look Italian, from art historical view?

Question

I've been studying art history & I've noticed in many paintings, etc. the Virgin & Jesus look pretty Italian! Is this because the artists were Italian, or the patrons were?

I've always wondered, so let me know! thx.

Answer 1

Look at the artists who did the paintings etc. Were they Italian? There is your answer.

Answer 2

Italy was a center of commerce. At one time the saying "all roads lead to Rome" was true. The Italian style of art was exported and became popular. Italian artists and their patrons preferred the people in the paintings to look Italian, they found it pleasing because it is what they were used to. The Vatican, being in Rome, had a great influence on the choice of Jesus & Mary being the subjects for the arts. Since many buyers of art, in other countries, knew who these subjects were, they were more likely to buy art containing them. That which sells, is more likely to be produced in mass.

Answer 3

No one knows what they really looked like, not having had photos back then. Artists painted them as they knew people to look like. I've seen pictures of art work of Jesus and Mary and other holy people from all over the world. Art from Asia has them portrayed as Asian, Africa- African. So if the artist was Italian- they'd look Italian.

Answer 4

The artists were Italian, they most likely would have looked Middle Eastern, since they were from the Middle East.

Answer 5

The Italians artist created the image.

Hey he who hold the brush creates the image!

Viva Italia!

Answer 6

You got it, because the artists were Italian at that period.
Why would they paint any other race?

Good reason, I guess..................

Answer 7

That is where the Catholic Church is from, so it only makes sense to change those people to look like they do. I mean honestly, shouldn't they look more Arabian?