Description
Duccio depicts the Transfiguration of Christ on a mountain. Jesus stands at the centre between Moses and Elijah, while Peter, James and John witness the miracle below. Part of the reverse predella of the Maestà in Siena, the scene combines a gold ground, strong spirituality and a clear, solemn composition.
On either side appear Moses and Elijah, Old Testament figures who underline the fulfilment of revelation. The three figures above are distributed evenly across the rocky summit, while below Peter, James and John react with surprise, fear and adoration. Each adopts a different posture, introducing expressive variety and making each disciple’s response to the vision distinct. Although the gold ground preserves the timeless dimension of medieval painting, the mountain functions as a true stage, separating the heavenly realm from the earthly one.
