RAFFAELLO Sanzio
(b. 1483, Urbino, d. 1520, Roma)

The Transfiguration (detail)

1518-20
Oil on wood
Pinacoteca, Vatican

Distressed by the sight of the child twisting in convulsions, the Apostle turns away with a gesture of heartfelt compassion. His hand and foot seem to protrude from the front edge of the picture, drawing the onlooker into the scene as a witness to the event.