The Transfiguration 

Gustave Doré’s engraving, "The Transfiguration," visualizes a pivotal moment in the New Testament through potent symbols. Christ is seen radiant in divine glory accompanied by Moses with the tablets of law, representing the Old Testament law, and Elijah. The symbolism of light is central here. Note how Doré bathes Christ in luminous beams, a motif echoing ancient solar deities. The ecstatic, almost blinding light resonates across cultures, mirroring enlightenment in Buddhism or the divine spark in Zoroastrianism. However, the prostrate figures below offer a stark contrast. Overwhelmed by the theophany, their postures evoke fear and awe, a psychological response deeply rooted in our collective unconscious when confronted with the sublime. This gesture of reverence and submission transcends specific religious contexts. It is a universal expression of humility before the divine. Thus, Doré’s image is not merely a biblical illustration but a powerful synthesis of archetypal symbols. These symbols continue to resonate, shaping our understanding of the divine and our place within the cosmos.