Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Introduction

The famous ceiling of Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo during 1508 and 1512 is a master piece of the high renaissance art. It has given a new direction to artistic from work. This ceiling consists of a large Papal Chapel constructed by Pope Sixtus IV between the year 1477 and 11480. This famous ceiling is artistic decorated with various painting elements within the Chapel. It includes the large mural of The Last Judgment on the sanctuary wall by Michelangelo. Central part of the ceiling describes painter's innovation and exceptional skill. Nine scenes from the book of Genesis which describes the creation of Adam is design in the central part of the ceiling. This certainly highlights Michelangelo's innovation and technique in painting. The composite design includes multiple set of figures, both naked and clothed. Michelangelo demonstrated his skills in formulating a giant variety of sensitive figures with influential patterns for other artist.

Discussion

In 1506, Julius II plans a program to paint the ceiling of Sistine Chapel. Julius II was a warrior pope with strong decision making skills. Throughout his papacy, he did remarkable work to build ambitious projects for art. Because of his aggressive campaigns for supervisory control, he was able to unite and empower people of Italy under Church leadership. He presumed the classical way of symbolism and demonstrated his temporal power in a traditional manner. He contributed in rebuilding St. Peters' Basilica on 1506 which is the most potential symbol of papal.

The great walls of Sistine Chapel was already been painted twenty years earlier. Therefore, to decorate the Chapel one more time, Julius II conjures up a course to paint the ceiling of the Chapel. Walls of Chapel was painted by different and most intellectual painters of that time. The lowest levels were designed by Raphael. It resembles the drape hangings with a set of tapestries. The middle level is equally amazing and contains special scheme of frescoes parallel design to illustrate the life of Christ and Moses. This portion was prepared by some renowned artist like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and few others who renaissance art and architecture.

The ceilings of the Chapel were painted in blue according to a draft presented by Matteo D'Amelia. The Arena Chapel was decorated with gold star with cobalt base in order to make a resemblance with zodiac constellations. A significant reason behind the idea of iconography was Pope Julius solid intention and expectation of its popularity. He wanted the ceiling to be read with stratum of meaning. Hence, he selected Michelangelo, who was not a painter by profession. Michelangelo was a sculptor by occupation. He was part of the large sculptural commission for the tomb of Pope. Thus, Michelangelo had to accept the offer proposed by Julius for improvising ceiling. Michelangelo escaped from Rome to continue his work of sculpting because French war distracted attention of the Pope from Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo returned to Rome in 1508 when Pope Julius came back to Rome victoriously and summoned Michelangelo to start work on the ...