Transformation 1824

Curator: Here we have Alexander Ivanov's "Transformation," painted in 1824. It's a watercolor, and the translucence lends a kind of ethereal quality, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, it feels like a scene half-remembered, almost a dream. I am intrigued by the deliberate use of light and shadow to depict the central figure; I mean it creates an instant sense of the otherworldly. How does that manifest for you within Ivanov's broader oeuvre? Curator: Ivanov situated himself within the artistic and social context of his time by taking on Biblical narratives, which appealed to patrons interested in morality and history painting. The application of watercolour allows the subject to appear and recede from visibility and perhaps invites viewers to consider that these transformative narratives occur on a personal level in their own lives. We also have to consider that Ivanov was part of The Ancients art movement and they emphasized the revival of classical ideals. Editor: Interesting. I am really focusing on the physical rendering here. The visible brushstrokes, especially in the foreground, contrast sharply with the smooth, almost luminous treatment of Christ. Was this tension in the handling of the medium a conscious decision? Curator: It's interesting you focus on that, as the artist likely had a number of possible models. Perhaps, the contrast emphasizes the divide between the earthly realm and the divine? The loose handling gives us insights into the materials available, their application techniques, and, by extension, what the consumption of the art at that time might have signified. Ivanov had patrons who wished to have narrative pieces, as part of their understanding of civic life. The labour to make artworks can reveal how production mirrors existing norms. Editor: A very salient point. Reflecting upon this, I can say the way Ivanov uses light makes the figure feel so approachable. The painting’s narrative speaks beyond any religious understanding to an engagement with something more essential in us as humans, perhaps what brings us all together. Curator: Indeed. Perhaps the social function of the artist in nineteenth century culture continues to play a role even now when looking at Ivanov's oeuvre.