The Fall and Redemption of Man: The Transfiguration
1515
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1515
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The Fall and Redemption of Man: The Transfiguration is a 1515 by Albrecht Altdorfer, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This painting depicts a man standing on a platform, surrounded by a halo of light. He is dressed in a long robe and holds a staff in his right hand. The background is filled with rays of light emanating from the figure, creating a sense of radiance. In the foreground, several figures are shown in various poses, some kneeling or lying on the ground. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of reverence and awe, as if the figures are worshiping the central figure. The use of light and shadow in this painting creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure. To learn more about the use of light in Renaissance art, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.