Giovanni Bellini (1427–1516), The Transfiguration of Christ, Capodimonte Palace Museum, Naples

Giovanni Bellini “The Transfiguration of Christ”

Painting – Oil on canvas (115 x 154 cm) 1482–1483

The work depicts the moment of the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor, in the presence of the prophets Moses and Elijah and the apostles James, Peter and John.

Bellini, The Transfiguration of Christ This is the moment when Jesus’ heavenly nature is revealed to them.

Before their eyes, his face is suddenly surrounded by a halo of light and his clothes become supernaturally white.

A luminous cloud then accompanies Jesus’ transformation and a voice speaks to the prophets and apostles and says to them: “This is my beloved Son: listen to him!”

This painting was painted by Giovanni Bellini for the Fioccardo family Chapel in the Duomo of Vicenza.

Bellini uses the rocks and bare earth in the foreground to draw our gaze towards the centre of the scene, where green and life prevail.

Bellini, The Transfiguration of Christ He then leads us towards the background, undulating like a series of paths to follow, incorporating architectural features such as houses, a fortified wall and a church.

Finally, he focuses on the grey-green tones of Mount Tabor, which rises in the background and highlights Christ and the two prophets.

Christ opens his arms in prayer, with his palms turned towards us to confirm his divine nature as he addresses the earthly world of men.

Christ transmits light; he is among men, whilst being in the highest heavens.

His resplendent appearance, the power of his supernatural glory is such that the apostles James, Peter and John fall to the ground, in amazement and fear.