The Transfiguration

This painting is called "The Transfiguration" by an artist named Raphael. It is considered to be Raphael's last painting. The artist left it uncompleted and it is said that his student, Giulio Romano finished it in the 1510's. The original painting is now held in the Pinacoteca Vaticana of Vatican City. The painting is divided into two parts. The top section of the painting shows the actual Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. He is floating amongst the people with Moses and Elijah. The bottom section shows the Possessed Boy (boy with aqua blue eyes), surrounded by the apostles, waiting for Jesus to save him.

"The Transfiguration" depicts both the divine and human nature of Jesus Christ. The artist communicates this through Jesus' placement and position. He is above all the people, showing his superiority to us, but he is above them with his arms wide open. The apostles in the painting are looking up to Jesus cast the out the evil spirit's from within the boy's body to save him. We all believe that Jesus will one day come to save us and bring us with him to heaven. I think that his painting shows just that. It shows that Jesus is always near to protect us and keep us from harm. Jesus is there among the people and the people are there calling out to him. This painting gives me the impression that what Raphael was trying to depict was that whenever we need Jesus Christ, he will be there with open arms. He will guide us and he will save us.