Transfiguration of Christ!

Fra Angelico's work captures so well the mystical dimension of scripture and prayer, knowledge of the word and knowledge of the person of Christ. Here in his painting of the Transfiguration he depicts Christ surrounded by the glow of his hidden divinity. Moses and Elijah appear beside him although Fra Angelico depicts only their heads, thus illustrating this vision as a spiritual encounter. The three apostles, Peter, John and James are fully present at the feet of Christ. They are depicted as in fear and in awe of this vision of their master. From the Gospels we know that Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah on his mission in Jerusalem, that he will suffer there and die for the salvation of the world. This conversation happens as Christ is revealing his divinity to his three closest disciples. Traditionally this is understood that these three would be strengthen then through Christ's passion. Fra Angelico's work is not intended to depict the Gospels as accurate as possible but to elicit a prayerful meditation on the life of Christ. In his simple and unique way of painting he depicts the sacredness of Christ in all his Glory and splendour.