The artwork titled “Transfiguration of Christ” by Giovanni Bellini, created circa 1480, is an Early Renaissance religious painting executed in oil on wood. Measuring 115 x 152 cm, it is housed in the National Museum of Capodimonte in Naples, Italy.
The composition of the artwork is serene and dignified, depicting a pivotal moment in Christian theology. At the center, Christ is shown in a radiant, white garment, standing on a small hillock with raised hands, symbolizing his divine nature. Flanking him are two figures, believed to be Moses and Elijah, who partake in this spiritual event. Below them, the three Apostles – Peter, James, and John – are portrayed in various postures of awe and confusion, emphasizing the human reaction to the divine revelation. The background is meticulously rendered with a detailed landscape, including trees, a village, and rolling hills under a dramatic sky, reflecting the artist’s skill in combining naturalism with spiritual themes. The framing and spatial arrangement contribute to a sense of depth and realism, characteristic of the Early Renaissance period.
