Transfiguratie 1725

This engraving, made by Jan Wandelaar, depicts the Transfiguration. Note the powerful rays of light emanating from Christ, a visual symbol of divine revelation. Moses and Elijah appear alongside Christ, bridging the Old and New Testaments, while below, the apostles are awestruck. The motif of ascending to a mountaintop to receive divine knowledge has ancient roots, echoing similar narratives of revelation in other cultures. Think of Moses on Mount Sinai, or even the Greek gods on Mount Olympus. The raised hand gesture of Moses and Elijah connects to the Adlocutio motif in Roman art, a symbol of authority and divine favor. The Transfiguration is not just a biblical event; it's a psychological one. The intense light and the apostles' reactions suggest a profound, transformative experience. It speaks to our own desires for enlightenment and connection with the divine. This image resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings across history, illustrating our timeless quest to understand the sacred.