The scene of the Transfiguration is based on an excerpt in Matthew 17:1-9. In the upper part of the icon, Christ is transfigured in glory, flanked by Moses and Elijah, the geometric shapes around him represent his shining glory (the attributes of his divinity). Below, Peter, James and John are shown in disarray before the moment Christ tells them to ‘be not afraid,’.

The feast of the Transfiguration gained a special status after the 13th and 14th centuries, after the events of the Palamite controversy.[1] Spiritual commentators identified the light that transfigured Christ as being the divine ‘uncreated light’. We see on the mountains the sharp edges of rock have been depicted with fine delicate strokes: Лещадка (leshchadka) meaning 'split or bevelled rock', an ancient icon painting technique.

Saint Gregory Palamas (1296-1357/9) was the great mystic and theologian who revived the practices of contemplative prayer of the Desert Fathers known as hesychasm. This was condemned as heresy by Barlaam of Calabria. A great controversy ensued involving the Patriarch, Byzantine Emperor John VI and his consort Irene Asinina who took opposing sides. The issue was finally resolved and the Feast of the Transfiguration created in honour of its orthodoxy.

Such double-sided icons were mainly used as processional icons.