Artwork
The Transfiguration
The Transfiguration is a print by Simon Valée. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Simon Valée’s 1750 paper print, titled *The Transfiguration*, is a reproductive work that mirrors Raphael’s celebrated composition of the biblical moment when Christ is glorified before his followers. The image captures the dramatic revelation of divine light, translating the original fresco’s narrative into a monochrome medium for wider circulation.
Subject & Meaning
The scene divides into two tiers: aloft, a radiant Christ extends his arms, his form illuminated against a darkened sky, while three apostles tumble backward in astonishment. Beneath them, a varied crowd—some kneeling, others gesturing or shielding their faces—reacts with a mixture of awe and fear, emphasizing the transformative impact of the divine encounter.
Technique & Style
Valée employs pronounced chiaroscuro, juxtaposing deep shadows with luminous highlights to model the central figure and suggest spatial depth. The contrast accentuates the ethereal glow surrounding Christ, while the detailed rendering of facial expressions and gestures among the lower figures conveys a controlled yet turbulent atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑18th century, the print served as a means to disseminate Raphael’s composition beyond its original setting. Valée, a French engraver active in the Rococo period, produced the work for the burgeoning market of devotional prints, allowing collectors and churches to acquire a portable representation of the iconic biblical episode.
Artist & collection
Artist
Simon Valée made religious prints in the late 1600s to early 1700s. His prints include *The Transfiguration* and *St. John the Baptist in the Desert*, showing Bible scenes with detailed lines and shading. These works…
