The artwork titled “Transfiguration of Jesus” was created by Andrei Rublev in the year 1405 in Moscow, Russian Federation. It is executed in tempera on wood, belonging to the Byzantine art movement and the Moscow school of icon painting. With dimensions measuring 80.5 x 61 cm, it falls within the genre of religious painting, specifically an icon. This piece is part of the series of paintings made for the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin and is currently housed in the Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow Kremlin, Moscow, Russia.
The artwork features a depiction of the Transfiguration of Jesus, a pivotal event in Christian theology. Jesus is illustrated at the center, radiating in a mandorla of light, signifying His divine nature. Flanking Him are the prophets Moses and Elijah, depicted in reverent poses. Below them, the three Apostles—Peter, James, and John—are portrayed in various states of awe and reverence, overwhelmed by the divine revelation. Rublev’s use of tempera on wood allows for fine detailing and vibrant coloration, enhancing the sacred atmosphere of the scene. The backdrop, with its subtle gradients and detailed landscape, emphasizes the holy nature of the depicted miracle. This icon encapsulates Rublev’s mastery in conveying spiritual themes through the Moscow school’s intricate and symbolic style.
