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Transfiguration

Rafael Sanzio, 1520.

It is probable that in the year 1516 the Cardinal Giulio de Medici asked to realize this work, with data of term in 1520.

Here we see an example of Rafael's late period. In this work the painter manages to unite two episodes: that of the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor, between Moses, Elijah, Peter, John and James, who occupies the upper part of the painting and the lower part, where he represents the apostles awaiting the resurrection of the Lord, as well as the miracle of the possessed. With these motives, it is tried to transmit that the Grace is obtained only with the Faith, through the symbol of the woman kneeling in the foreground.

Although the work is divided into two levels, they are connected by the luminous and chromatic effects. The upper part, solemn and serene, contrasts with the whirlwind of arms and movement of the lower part, violently illuminated by the light that descends from Christ. Unfinished in its lower half due to the early death of the teacher (at age 36, due to a sudden illness), it was terminated by his disciple Giulio Romulo.

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