THE CALL OF THE MOUNT: ‘The Transfiguration’ by Titian

‘In his paintings, the anatomist finds form; the colourist, colour; the thinker, thought and the saint, sanctity’

Welcome to the world of Titian! Tiziano Vecelli (anglicized as Titian) is one of the greatest painters of the Venetian school of high Renaissance art. Born in the Republic of Venice (1488 -90), his vivid application of colour had a profound influence on the artistic world. Versatile in nature, he was equally adept with landscape, portrait, mythological and religious subjects. For his magnanimous contribution he is regarded as ‘the sun amongst small stars.’

The increasing freedom of his brushstroke and his deft ability to grasp personality can be noted in today’s painting. Hearkening the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 17, verses 1 – 13, the painting enlivens the scene of the Transfiguration of Christ. A motif of metamorphosis, it encounters the glorious splendour of Jesus.

The scene is set on a mount, a symbol of the manifestation of God (theophany). Without rendering detail to the surroundings, Titian’s brush hits the climax. He captures the moment when ‘a bright cloud covered them in a shadow and a voice from the cloud said “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” On hearing the voice the disciples fell to the ground full of fear.’

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