Let the Children Come unto Me

"Let the Children Come unto Me" by Carl Bloch

Artist Background and Significance

Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834-1890) stands as one of Denmark’s most celebrated painters, particularly renowned for his evocative religious works. Educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Bloch developed a highly realistic style influenced by the Dutch Golden Age masters, such as Rembrandt. His ability to capture emotional nuance and spiritual warmth made him a significant figure not only in Danish art but also in the broader realm of Christian art in the 19th century.

Bloch’s prolific output includes a vast array of historical, genre, and, most notably, religious paintings, many commissioned for ecclesiastical settings. His work provided a bridge between the classical traditions of religious imagery and a more modern, accessible portrayal of biblical narratives. For many, Bloch’s paintings form a visual lexicon of Christian stories, most notably in Latter-day Saint (LDS) and Protestant communities, where his works remain widely published and admired.

Historical Context

Painted in 1884, "Let the Children Come unto Me" emerged at a time when Europe was experiencing profound religious, social, and artistic change. The latter half of the 19th century saw a growing emphasis on naturalism and realism in art, as well as renewed attention to the narratives and humanity of biblical figures. In Denmark, a Lutheran nation, there was a strong tradition of biblical illustration, and Bloch’s commission to paint a series of works for the King’s Chapel at Frederiksborg Castle solidified his position as a master of religious narrative.

The late 1800s were also marked by societal changes—industrialization, changing family structures, and increasing focus on childhood and domestic life. These themes often paralleled Christ’s teachings about children and innocence, rendering Bloch’s subject matter especially resonant for contemporary viewers.

Religious and Cultural Significance

"Let the Children Come unto Me" is rooted in a passage from the Gospels—most specifically Mark 10:13-16, which recounts Jesus welcoming children despite his disciples’ objections. The words of Christ, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God,” have echoed through centuries as a profound statement about inclusion, innocence, and spiritual openness.

Bloch’s painting captures this message with extraordinary sensitivity. Christ is depicted at the center, physically and emotionally accessible, with children gathered closely around him. The work visualizes the ideal of Christ’s universal compassion, underscoring the inherent value and dignity of every individual, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.

The painting holds special cultural significance for the LDS (Mormon) faith, which has adopted many of Bloch’s images in church materials. Its widespread reproduction has helped shape the visual language of Christ in both public and private devotion, making Bloch one of the most recognizable Christian artists in the modern era.

Symbolism and Iconography

Bloch’s masterful use of symbolism enriches the devotional message of "Let the Children Come unto Me." Christ is portrayed as the calm, central figure with a gentle gaze and open arms, embodying divine love and spiritual authority. The children, varied in age and attire, symbolize innocence, purity, and humanity’s hope for redemption.

The positioning of Christ’s hand on a child’s head—an act of blessing—calls to mind the ancient tradition of laying on of hands, linking Jesus to both Old Testament patriarchs and Christian sacramental practice. The presence of mothers and disciples frames the narrative with themes of community, protection, and the tension between societal barriers and spiritual openness.

Background details further reinforce the atmosphere of peace and humility: muted earth tones, soft lighting, and the absence of distracting architectural elements focus attention on the human interactions at the heart of the Gospel message.

Artistic Techniques

Bloch’s oil-on-canvas technique is celebrated for its fusion of realism with a subtle idealization that elevates the narrative. He employs a controlled palette of warm, gentle colors that evoke both physical and emotional warmth. The careful modeling of faces, hands, and drapery reveals Bloch’s academic training and his study of the old masters.

One of the hallmarks of Bloch’s style is his handling of light. In "Let the Children Come unto Me," light subtly radiates from Christ’s figure, illuminating the children and casting gentle shadows that create depth and intimacy. This use of light not only serves formal ends but also conveys spiritual symbolism, with Christ as the light of the world.

Attention to expressions and gestures heightens the emotional reality of the scene. Each child’s unique posture—some reaching, some hesitant, others gazing in awe—captures individual responses to Christ’s presence, inviting viewers to imagine themselves as part of the narrative.

Compositionally, Bloch creates a harmonious arrangement that draws the eye toward Christ, while circular groupings of figures emphasize unity and inclusiveness. The overall serenity of the work reflects the tranquility promised in the teachings of Jesus.

Cultural Impact

Since its completion, "Let the Children Come unto Me" has enjoyed enduring popularity. Reproduced in countless formats across the world, it serves as a touchstone for sermons, educational materials, and private reflection. In LDS and Protestant communities, its imagery is often paired with scriptural text and used to reinforce teachings about faith, humility, and the Christian responsibility to care for children.

Bloch’s work is credited with softening public perception of religious art, presenting biblical stories not as remote or didactic, but as living, relatable narratives. His humane depiction of Christ and his emphasis on compassion and accessibility have made his paintings deeply influential, shaping visual culture and religious imagination well into the 21st century.

For viewers across generations and denominations, "Let the Children Come unto Me" provides more than an illustration: it offers an invitation to encounter the teachings of Christ through the language of art, affirming the timeless message of spiritual welcome and belonging.

Sources

1. Carl Bloch: The Master’s Hand – BYU Museum of Art Exhibition Materials
2. "Carl Bloch and the Image of Christ," BYU Studies Quarterly
3. Thorvaldsen Museum: Carl Bloch Biography
4. The New Grove Dictionary of Art, "Bloch, Carl"
5. "Let the Children Come unto Me (Jesus Christ Blessing the Children)," Latter-day Saint Images Collection, Church History Library