Italian artistMichelangelo(14751564) is known as one of the most prolific painters and sculptors in history.
What is the Sistine Chapel?
It is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who oversaw its restoration in the late 15th century.
Historically, the chapel has had various important functions.
How Did Michelangelo Paint the Sistine Chapel?
As he completed the painting in stages, the scaffolding was designed to move across the chapel.
Aerial view of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums in Rome (Photo: Bova/Depositphotos)
Once the scaffold was installed, Michelangelo was able to begin the painting process.
This method culminated in visible outlines around his figuresa detail considered characteristic of the artist.
Since plaster dries quickly, Michelangelo worked in sections, applying planes of fresh plaster each day.
Interior of the Sistine Chapel (Photo:Antoine TaveneauxviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
These sections are known asgiornata, and remain perceptible today.
What Does the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel Depict?
These panels are surrounded by portraits of important individuals from the Bible.
View of the Sistine Chapel ceiling (Photo:Jean-Christophe BenoistviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
In total, 343 figures are incorporated into the scenes.
It is the first scene from the Genesis chronology, but the last of the nine panels Michelangelo painted.
Afterward, Noah curses Ham.
Ignudo from the Sistine Chapel ceiling (Photo: viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Among this group are seven prophets from Israel.
The portrait ofThe Prophet Danielportrays this important figure seated and holding an open book.
These figures serve a largely decorative purpose in the different panels.
Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes (Photo: viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Diagram of the scheme of Michelangelo’s frescoes (Photo: viaWikimedia Commons, Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes (Photo:Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Michelangelo, “The Separation of Light from Darkness,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Web Gallery of ArtviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Creation of the Sun, Moon, and Vegetation,” c. 1508–12 (Photo: Sistine Chapel viaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Separation of Land and Water,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Web Gallery of ArtviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Creation of Adam,” c. 1508–12 (Photo: viaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Creation of Eve,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Web Gallery of ArtviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Fall of Man and the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Web Gallery of ArtviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Sacrifice of Noah,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:HumanitiesWebviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Great Flood,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Web Gallery of ArtviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Drunkenness of Noah,” c. 1508–12 (Photo: Jorge Valenzuela A viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Michelangelo, “The Prophet Daniel,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “The Delphic Sibyl,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “Jesus' Ancestors, Jesse, David, and Solomon,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:gallery.eurowebviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
Michelangelo, “Ignudo,” c. 1508–12 (Photo:Web Gallery of ArtviaWikimedia Commons, PD-US)
View of Saint Peter’s Square, Rome (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
