Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World The Story of the World’s Most Famous Christian Painting

This book provides an up-to-date introduction to the religious and artistic story behind The Light of the World by Holman Hunt. Created in the mid-19th century, it is thought to be the most widely exhibited work of art in history and is arguably the most widely known Christian painting to this day. The subject matter provides a rich wealth of resources, touching on the extraordinary artistic renewal associated with the Oxford Movement, its religious and intellectual revolution in recovering early Christian tropes and motives of scriptural interpretation. The book also considers the painting’s impact on the religious and cultural life of the British Empire as its tour served not just spiritual edification but the promotion of imperial values. The contributions reflect on concerns of decolonization and illustrate religious art's ability to engage relevantly with contemporary concerns. Enabling a fresh encounter with the painting, this volume will be of interest to theologians, biblical scholars and historians.