Hand-Painted Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Hand-Painted Christian Wall Art of the Transfiguration of the Lord

A reverently Hand-Painted Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord, created with natural mineral pigments in egg tempera on a seasoned wooden panel, enhanced with genuine gold leaf and elaborate ornamental borders. This magnificent icon depicts the pivotal Gospel event when Christ revealed His divine glory to the apostles Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor. The composition shows the transfigured Christ in radiant white garments surrounded by a mandorla of divine light, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside Him and the three apostles below, overwhelmed by the vision of divine glory.

The Gospel Event: Transfiguration on Mount Tabor

The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, commemorated on August 6th (August 19th Old Style). According to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-9, Luke 9:28-36), Jesus took His three closest disciples—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain (traditionally identified as Mount Tabor in Galilee) to pray. There, “He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).

During this mystical event, Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus about His forthcoming Passion in Jerusalem. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and the voice of the Father declared: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). The apostles, overwhelmed by this vision of divine glory, fell prostrate until Jesus touched them and told them not to be afraid. This revelation of Christ’s divine nature prepared the disciples for the trials ahead and demonstrated that His coming Passion would be voluntary, not a defeat.

Iconographic Composition and Theological Symbolism

This sacred composition follows canonical Byzantine tradition while incorporating the rich ornamental style characteristic of Russian iconography. The image is carefully structured to convey profound theological truths about Christ’s divine and human natures.

• Christ in the Center: Depicted in brilliant white garments, often surrounded by a mandorla (almond-shaped aureole) representing divine light and glory. His blessing hand and serene countenance indicate His role as both God and man.
• Moses and Elijah: Standing on separate mountain peaks beside Christ, representing the Law and the Prophets. Moses (who died) and Elijah (taken up alive to heaven) symbolize the living and the dead who will be raised by Christ.
• The Three Apostles: Peter, James, and John are shown below, their postures expressing awe and fear. James typically falls backward with hands over his eyes, John prostrates himself, and Peter kneels while gesturing toward Christ—referring to his offer to build three tabernacles.
• Divine Light Rays: Streams of light emanate from Christ’s figure, representing the uncreated light of His divinity that the disciples witnessed.
• Mountain Setting: The rocky terrain of Mount Tabor emphasizes the elevated, holy nature of this revelation, separating it from ordinary earthly experience.

Hand-Painted Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord: Materials and Technique

This Hand-Painted Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord exemplifies the finest artistry of the Mstyora school, renowned for complex compositions, masterful use of gold, and ornamental borders that enhance rather than distract from the sacred narrative.

• Wooden Panel: Seasoned linden wood prepared with linen backing and multiple layers of chalk gesso (levkas) to create the perfect foundation for this complex composition.
• Elaborate Gold Work: Genuine 23-karat gold leaf application for the divine mandorla, halos, and ornamental border, with detailed tooling to create patterns representing heavenly glory.
• Egg Tempera: Natural mineral pigments mixed with egg yolk, applied in successive layers to achieve the luminous white of Christ’s garments, the varied colors of the apostles’ robes, and the naturalistic mountain landscape.
• Ornamental Border: Intricate decorative patterns surrounding the central composition, executed in the traditional style that enhances the icon’s festive character.
• Protective Varnish: Natural protective coating preserves the complex layering of tempera colors and extensive gold work while maintaining spiritual luminosity.

Theological Significance and Spiritual Meaning

The Transfiguration reveals the mystery of theosis—the Orthodox teaching that humanity is called to participate in divine life through God’s grace. The event demonstrates that Christ’s divine nature was not absent during His earthly ministry but was concealed, revealed fully only to prepare the disciples for His Passion. The icon teaches that suffering and glory are mysteriously united in Christ’s saving work.

Saint John Chrysostom explains that Moses and Elijah appear for three reasons: they represent the Law and the Prophets (Moses received the Law, Elijah was a great prophet); both experienced visions of God (Moses on Sinai, Elijah on Carmel); and they represent the living and the dead (Elijah taken up alive, Moses who died), showing Christ’s dominion over life and death. The bright cloud represents the presence of the Holy Spirit, making this a Trinitarian revelation.

Liturgical Context and Feast Celebration

The Transfiguration is celebrated as one of the most joyous feasts in the Orthodox calendar, occurring during the Dormition Fast but with a festive character that temporarily lifts fasting restrictions. In many Orthodox countries, the feast is associated with the blessing of fruits, particularly grapes and apples, symbolizing the transfiguration of creation through Christ’s redemptive work.

The feast teaches believers about their own calling to transfiguration through spiritual purification and divine grace. Just as Christ’s disciples witnessed divine light on Mount Tabor, the faithful are called to become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) through prayer, fasting, and virtuous living.

Visible Details: Artistic Excellence and Spiritual Beauty

• Christ’s Luminous Figure: The central figure rendered with special attention to the brilliant white garments and divine light emanating from His person.
• Prophetic Figures: Moses and Elijah depicted with characteristic attributes and expressions of reverence toward the transfigured Christ.
• Apostolic Reactions: Each apostle’s unique response to the theophany carefully rendered to show individual personalities while maintaining canonical tradition.
• Mountain Landscape: Detailed rendering of Mount Tabor’s rocky terrain, providing earthly context for the heavenly revelation.
• Ornamental Framework: Elaborate border decoration that frames the sacred narrative with patterns reflecting heavenly beauty.

Creating the Icon: Step-by-Step Process

• Panel Preparation: Selection of appropriate wood size for the complex composition, application of linen backing, and layering of levkas ground.
• Design Planning: Careful layout of the multi-figure composition ensuring proper proportions and theological accuracy for each element.
• Background and Landscape: Creation of the mountain setting and sky, establishing the environmental context for the sacred event.
• Figure Development: Progressive painting of each figure from dark underpainting to luminous highlights, with special attention to Christ’s transfigured appearance.
• Divine Light Effects: Application of gold leaf and light rays emanating from Christ, creating the visual representation of uncreated divine light.
• Ornamental Work: Detailed execution of decorative borders and final protective varnish application.

Placement and Veneration in Orthodox Settings

As a Great Feast icon, the Transfiguration holds a place of honor in Orthodox churches and homes. In parish churches, it often adorns the iconostasis or feast day analogion during the August celebration. In homes, it is particularly appropriate for family prayer corners, reminding believers of their calling to spiritual transformation and the reality of divine glory that awaits the faithful.

Spiritual Practice and the Transfiguration

The icon serves as a visual aid for contemplating the mystery of theosis and Christ’s divine nature. Orthodox spiritual tradition encourages believers to meditate on the Transfiguration as a foretaste of the resurrection and glorification promised to all who follow Christ faithfully. The disciples’ experience on Mount Tabor becomes a model for the mystical experience available to all Christians through prayer and ascetic practice.

Why the Hand-Painted Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord Enriches Spiritual Life

The presence of this Hand-Painted Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the home creates a powerful reminder of humanity’s ultimate destiny—participation in divine glory. Unlike mass-produced religious images, this hand-painted icon carries the prayer and theological understanding of skilled iconographers, making it a true window into the divine realm. The traditional materials and techniques ensure lasting beauty that itself witnesses to the eternal nature of divine glory.

Customization and Commissioning Options

The Mstyora workshop can create this icon in various sizes appropriate for different liturgical and devotional contexts. Options include emphasis on particular aspects of the composition, coordinated sets for church iconostases, or adaptations for specific architectural settings. All customizations maintain strict adherence to Orthodox canons while accommodating the unique requirements of each commission.

Care and Preservation Guidelines

• Environmental Protection: Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the complex color relationships and extensive gold work.
• Gentle Cleaning: Use only soft brushes for dusting; avoid chemical cleaners that could damage the intricate ornamental work.
• Proper Display: Position where the icon’s complex composition can be properly viewed and appreciated during prayer and contemplation.
• Long-term Care: The protective varnish maintains the integrity of both the tempera painting and extensive gold work with appropriate maintenance.

The Mstyora Workshop Excellence

The Mstyora workshop’s particular expertise in complex multi-figure compositions makes it ideally suited for creating Transfiguration icons. The tradition of elaborate ornamental work, combined with deep theological understanding of this pivotal feast, ensures each icon serves as both artistic masterpiece and authentic spiritual gateway to the mystery of divine glory revealed in Christ.

Welcome the transforming light and divine glory of the Transfigured Lord into your home or church—order this hand-painted icon from the Mstyora Workshop with free worldwide shipping by post and convenient payment by Visa/Mastercard upon delivery.