The legacy begins ...
In the quiet hours of an early January night in 1924, artist Warner Sallman struggled with sketches in an effort to meet a deadline for a magazine cover. A picture appeared to his mind's eye. This revelation became the Head of Christ, now known the world over as one of the finest depictions of our Savior. It was not until 1941, however, that Sallman's charcoal sketch gained enough recognition to be painted as an oil and published by Kriebel & Bates, Inc.
Warner E. Sallman was born in Chicago, Illinois, April 30, 1892. He said,” My talent for painting and illustrations developed in me from early youth, and by divine directions I was led step-by-step toward a ministry of Christian art." Sallman attempted his first oil painting at the age of ten in the attic studio used by his father, also an artist.
After making a remarkable recovery from health problems as a young adult, he studied both art and the Bible. In the early 1940s demand grew for more pictures showing Christ in settings spoken of in the Bible. With humility and gratitude, Sallman went on to paint many more masterpieces, radiating a deep Christian character.
Warner Press is proud to be the owner and exclusive distributor of the most recognized images of Christ worldwide.