The Transfiguration

In October 1308 Duccio agreed to paint a new high altarpiece for the cathedral of Siena, a huge panel with pictures on both of its faces. This small square scene comes from the back, from a row of nine along the base that faced the clergy rather than the congregation. It shows the moment in the Gospels when Christ, on a mountain top, begins to shine. Duccio had only gold to show that light, so he drew fine gold lines over the blue and red of the robe. Moses and Elijah have appeared on either side to talk with him. Below, Peter, James and John drop to their knees and throw up their hands against the glare. On the altarpiece this panel sat between the healing of a man born blind and the raising of Lazarus. The healing scene belongs to the National Gallery too.