Abstract

This qualitative study employs digital artifacts to explore paintings of Jesus through iconography, semiotic analysis, visual culture/visual studies, ancient Christian history, the importance of digital pedagogy, and digital preservation of the artwork of Jesus, thereby digitally preserving culture and the religious culture of Jesus as a transformational leader. Paintings, frescoes, and other art media such as sculpture or ancient books are the educational tools and the elements of exceptional, invaluable, and immeasurable historical legacy. Cultural heritage preservation is a growing demand; digital technology reduces costs and allows for a broader application of techniques (Stanco et al., 2011). Paintings of Jesus portray iconography in the visual and digital artifacts realm of religious arts, which currently need attention. Jesus was a transformational leader, and the widespread story of his life told through the theology of ancient Christian history strengthens why we need to preserve the images of Jesus in paintings and other art mediums now more than ever, saving them from the ravages of time, natural disasters, grand theft, and war. Jesus was an impactful leader in this century, and many have been influenced by Jesus through following him and striving to share his love through music, words, acts of service, or bravery. Recently, a Ukrainian Church had its paintings of Jesus destroyed by Russian armies in war, proving more than ever that there is a need to protect and preserve paintings digitally from churches and museums. According to a recent news article (Whitaker, 2023), such destruction heightens the need to protect the heritage of nations and religions at risk. This qualitative study explores and displays the importance of digitally preserving the artwork of Jesus more than ever. Through exploratory, descriptive design and the growing need to utilize digital artifacts and visual culture in the classroom. Images of paintings studied in person as the data source captured by the digital camera, producing the digital artifacts for this study. This dissertation hopes to promote the use of digital pedagogy in education and implement further the use of digital artifacts, art, and technological studies, and the growing need to keep students more visually engaged.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Jesus Christ—Art; Christian art and symbolism—Conservation and restoration; Digital preservation

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Amanda Wickramasinghe

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