The Transfiguration, by Raphael 

This engraving of Raphael’s "The Transfiguration" was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an Italian artist known for his etchings of Roman architecture. In this piece, we see a reinterpretation of a pivotal moment in Christian theology. Jesus is depicted levitating, radiating light, and flanked by figures believed to be Moses and Elijah. Below, the apostles react with awe. But if we look closely, the emotional core of this print resides in those earthly figures, caught between faith and mortal concerns. Piranesi, working in the 18th century, lived in a time of immense social change. His work reflects the intense emotion and spiritual questioning of his time. Consider how Piranesi uses the contrast between light and shadow to amplify the drama, turning a moment of biblical revelation into a deeply personal experience. Does the print reinforce or challenge traditional depictions of divinity and humanity, and how does it reflect the societal tensions of faith and reason?