Transfiguration of Jesus 1405

Andrei Rublev created this icon of the "Transfiguration of Jesus" around the early 15th century, likely using tempera on a wooden panel. Notice the geometric harmony and division of the space into distinct registers. Above, Christ stands in a radiant circle, flanked by Elijah and Moses. Below, the apostles Peter, James, and John are scattered on the ground in the throes of spiritual revelation. Rublev’s use of inverse perspective creates a sense of a divine realm pressing into our own. The sharp lines of the mountain and the figures draw the eye, while the contrasting colours of the robes create a visually appealing composition. Rublev’s icon is an example of the Byzantine aesthetic. The composition is designed to convey theological meaning, the figures rendered in a stylised manner and the use of light to symbolize divine presence. Rather than aiming for photorealism, this is an example of a symbolic representation intended to evoke contemplation and spiritual insight. Consider how Rublev's flattening of space and emphasis on line serve to distill the essence of the Transfiguration. The icon transcends a mere depiction of a biblical event, inviting us into a space of mystical contemplation.