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August 19, 2017

Anonymous,

Transfiguration, 17th century, oil on copper, 16 1/2 x 13 1/4 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art,

gift

of Jack Hopkinson.

In many Christianity traditions, today is celebrated as the Feast of the Transfiguration, commemorating the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels. This Spanish oil painting depicts the events of the Transfiguration. At this event, the Savior, Moses, and Elias (Elijah) gave the keys of the priesthood to Peter, James, and John. The painting makes very clear the figures of the Jesus Christ, Moses, and Elias, who are all clad in white, while the three disciples below, prostrate and humble, are dressed in simple robes.