Penni, Giovanni Francesco (Copia Rafael) – Transfiguración del Señor Part 1 Prado museum

The composition is structured around a distinct division between the celestial and terrestrial realms. Above, a figure stands bathed in radiant light, seemingly suspended within swirling clouds. Two additional figures flank this central presence, also enveloped by the luminous atmosphere. Their poses suggest reverence and awe, their bodies angled towards the illuminated individual.
Below, a large group of people are gathered on what appears to be a rocky outcrop. They exhibit a range of emotional responses – some raise their hands in supplication or astonishment, others appear distressed or fearful. The arrangement is dense, creating a sense of collective witnessing and shared experience. A single figure lies prostrate at the base of the group, seemingly overcome by emotion.
The artist employs a dramatic use of chiaroscuro to heighten the emotional impact. The bright light emanating from above contrasts sharply with the shadowed areas below, emphasizing the divine nature of the upper figures and creating a sense of mystery surrounding their presence. This contrast also serves to isolate them visually, reinforcing their separation from the earthly realm.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – golds, yellows, and reds – which contribute to the overall feeling of spiritual intensity. The use of these colors in the depiction of the upper figures further emphasizes their divine status. In contrast, the lower group is rendered with a more muted range of earth tones, grounding them within the physical world.
The scene conveys themes of revelation, faith, and human vulnerability. The expressions on the faces of those below suggest a profound encounter with something beyond their comprehension – an experience that simultaneously inspires awe and evokes fear. The prostrate figure at the base underscores the power and immensity of the event being witnessed. The painting seems to explore the relationship between the divine and the mortal, highlighting the limitations of human understanding in the face of spiritual transcendence.