Transfiguration 1680

Curator: This is Simon Thomassin's "Transfiguration," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Though undated, Thomassin lived from 1655 to 1733. Editor: Whoa, a celestial rave! Seriously, the swirling figures, the upward thrust…it's like Baroque energy drink. Curator: Well, it depicts a key scene in the Gospels, when Christ reveals his divine glory to the apostles Peter, James, and John. The socio-political implications are complex, mirroring the church's assertion of divine authority. Editor: I'm picking up some serious theatrical vibes, too. The crowd down below is all dramatic gestures, like they’re auditioning for a Renaissance reality show. Curator: Indeed, the print medium allowed for widespread dissemination of religious ideology. Editor: So, heavenly PR? Clever. It makes me wonder what a modern transfiguration would look like. Maybe a hologram? Curator: Perhaps, but this print reflects a specific moment in religious and artistic history. Editor: Definitely makes you think about how belief systems are visualized... and marketed. Thanks for pointing out the angles.