Transfiguratie van Christus 1590 - 1622

This engraving of the Transfiguration of Christ was made by Boëtius Adamsz Bolswert. The image presents the moment in the gospels when Christ's divinity is revealed to his disciples, Peter, James, and John, as he speaks with Moses and Elijah. The artist, working in the Netherlands, tapped into a rich tradition of religious imagery while also navigating the social currents of his time. Consider the context: the Dutch Republic was forging its identity amidst religious and political upheaval, and engravings like this played a crucial role in shaping popular piety and understanding of scripture. The visual codes used here – the divine light, the posture of the disciples – are not just artistic choices. They’re cultural references, reinforcing established religious narratives and the authority of the Church. To truly understand this image, we need to consult historical texts, theological treatises, and even the records of printmakers and publishers. Only then can we appreciate the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in the early modern world.