Artwork
The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Ercole Setti. It dates from 1580 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Transfiguration, a pen and brown ink drawing on laid paper, was created by Ercole Setti around 1580. It is currently part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a dynamic scene of figures in various poses amidst a swirling, aerial environment. Some figures stand upright with outstretched arms, while others are positioned below, either floating or kneeling, with some entwined in fabric or cloud-like elements, suggesting a narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Setti employed thick, busy lines to convey a sense of movement and energy. The drawing features cross-hatching, a technique where tiny, crisscrossed lines create depth and a three-dimensional appearance, enhancing the visual complexity of the composition.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1580, the work's provenance prior to its acquisition by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, is not detailed in the provided information.
Context
Given its subject and style, The Transfiguration likely reflects the artistic and religious themes prevalent during the late Renaissance, though specific contextual details about its creation or initial display are not provided.
Legacy
The drawing's impact or influence on subsequent artistic movements or works is not specified in the available information.











