The Uncreated Light: An Iconographical Study of the Transfiguration in the Eastern Church

Distinguished religious artist Solrunn Nes in this volume explores the beauty and truth found in icons of Christ's transfiguration. As Nes observes in her introduction, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ is an especially rich subject in the abundant iconographical tradition of the Eastern Church. In weaving together iconographical representations and theological interpretation, The Uncreated Light is itself a beautiful exploration of this subject. Structured according to the biblical account of Christ's transfiguration, the book is divided into three main parts. The first, corresponding with the ascent up the mountain, presents the iconographical theme in four representative works of previous centuries. The second section focuses on the "vision of light" and considers the Orthodox interpretation of the event based on a selection of art and texts. The third and final section parallels the descent back down the mountain; here Nes goes back to the icons themselves, interpreting them anew in light of the insights gained under the "vision of light." Including full-color plates of the icons discussed and a lengthy appendix, The Uncreated Light is a testament to the author's own artistic grace and to her deep understanding of iconographical art as an expression of faith.