Sistine Chapel Cieling Essay, Research Paper
The Sistine Chapel Ceiling
The Sistine Chapel ceiling is perhaps the most amazing painting of all time. It was
finished by Michealangelo Buonarroti in 1512.(he started it in 1508.) He worked on the painting
every day in the four year period. It was grueling work. He would have to climb a scaffolding
and lay flat on his back 65 feet above the floor with paint dripping down on him. All of the
scenes were based on stories of The Bible. The centerpiece, ?The Creation Of Adam? shows
God infusing life into Adam, the first man.
The triangular areas along the two long sides of the ceiling are called spandrels. The
moldings which outline them are the only aspects of the architectural design of the Ceiling that
are truly part of the architecture. The moldings were in the ceiling before Michelangelo began
his project. All other architectural details on the Ceiling were painted by Michelangelo.
The figures painted inside the spandrels represent ancestors of Christ. (These figures are
also continued into the lunettes below the Ceiling.) The prophets and sibyls could be seen as
mediating between the Old and New Testaments in a spiritual or prophetic way. The ancestors
mediate between the two in a concrete or biological way.
Michelangelo was first assigned to paint the ceiling when he received a letter from the
Pope. This letter reveals that the idea of completing the Chapel begun by Sixtus IV had been
broached while Michelangelo was previously in Rome. Michelangelo told him that the didn?t
want to paint the Chapel doubting he had the ability to paint foreshortened figures. On May 10,
1508 Michelangelo contracted to paint the ceiling for 3,000 ducats1 and began work that very
day.
The ceiling is divided into three zones, the highest showing scenes from Genesis. Below
are prophets and sibyls. In the lunettes and spandrels are figures identified as ancestors of Jesus
or the Virgin. His awesome Last Judgment is on the alter wall.
The sequence of the Old Testament and New Testament scenes were arranged to
emphasize the authority of the Pope. Between the windows above are painted images
pre-Constantian sainted Popes. To left and right of the alter wall were the findings of Moses and
the birth of Christ. Above them, on the level of the Popes was the beginning of the Papal series
and in the center, possibly an image of Christ flanked by Peter and Paul. Michelangelo was first
commissioned to paint the twelve apostles on the twelve pendentive-like2 areas.
In place of the twelve Apostles who followed Christ, Michelangelo painted the Hebrew
Prophets and pagan Sibyls who foresaw the coming of a Messiah. Here, for the first time in
the Chapel, Greco-Roman culture is joined to the Hebrew world. These Prophets and Sibyls
inhabit the curved lower part of the vault, sitting on thrones. By this method Michelangelo
created an imaginary architecture: the bands across the vault are united by the cornice above
with its projecting segments. The Prophets and Sibyls are clearly to be understood as sitting in
front of the Ancestors of Christ, painted in the spandrels and lunettes3. These are pictorial
versions of the mere list of names that begins the Gospel of Matthew, the generations linking
Christ with the tribe of David, as was necessary according the Old Testament prophecy. Thus
the Hebrew and pagan seers who foretold the coming of the Messiah alternate with
representations of Christ?s own ancestors. This part of the vault is closely connected with the
scenes below that show Christ?s life and work on earth as the counterpart and fulfillment of the
prophetic example of Moses.
Some of the scenes of Genesis are obviously related to Christian events, others are less
obviously relevant. Michelangelo?s decoration of the Sistine ceiling is the most pictorial
ensemble in all of Western art, and for that reason it has to be approached from different points
of view.
Michelangelo began painting in the winter of 1508-9, not the earliest scenes of creation
over the sanctuary, but the Noah episodes over the entrance. At first he had trouble with the
mold and had to paint some of the ceiling over. He used watercolor painted into newly applied
plaster, a technique he learned but had never before practiced independently. He transferred
his design to the wet plaster by holding it up and following the lines with a stylus, making
grooves that can be seen. He was at first conscientious in following these lines, but later became
much freer, sometimes improvising around the drawing on the ceiling. He had trouble with
assistants. He then dismissed the assistants (among them, one of his friends) and painted the
rest almost all by himself, although he surely had help with the preparation of the plaster and
other such menial tasks.
On January 27, 1509 Michelangelo wrote to his father:
I do not ask anything of the Pope because my work does not seem to me to go ahead in a
way to merit it. This is due to the difficulty of the work and also because it is not my profession.
In consequence, I lose my time fruitlessly. May God help me.
In June he wrote again:
I am attending to work as much as I can…I don?t have a penny. So I cannot be robbed…
I am unhappy and not in too good health staying here, and with a great deal of work, no
instructions, and no money. But I have good hopes God will help me.
The coloration of the Sistine ceiling has suffered from age, dirt, and restoration.
Nevertheless, it is still a subtle harmony of contrasting warm and cool tones: green shot with
gold; rose; blue; and gold. Never before has such an amazing project been carried out with
so complex a program, with such thorough planning and with life-like a cast of figures and
scenes. The Sistine ceiling, as was immediately realized upon its unveiling, is one of man?s
greatest achievements. Never again was such a project to be conceived.
Over time the ceiling has become rusted and has lost its colors, but was recently cleaned
and now you can finally see this amazing piece of art in its original colors.
In conclusion, I think the work Michelangelo has done was ahead of its time and
definitely deserves more recognition. I admire his hard work.
Bibliography
Encarta98 encyclopedia
Другие работы по теме:
Agony Ang The Extacy Ethical Considerations Concerning
Michelangelo Buonarroti Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo Buonarroti was a natural born artist. As an artist he was capable of different mediums of expressing his artistic talent. However he much preferred sculpting out of them all, it made him most satisfied. When Pope Julius II experienced Michelangelo s painting he insisted that Michelangelo share his talent with the rest of Italy.
Renisance War Essay Research Paper What do
Renisance War Essay, Research Paper What do you think the renaissance was? A discovery, a rediscovery, a phase or maybe all three. These questions are what I will address in this essay as well as what my personal feelings on all of them are. I believe that the renaissance was a mixture of all three each contributing in it s own way.
Art Essay Research Paper The Italian painter
Art Essay, Research Paper The Italian painter, sculptor and architect Michaelangelo was brought to Florence right after birth and grew up in the care of a stonecutter’s wife. With 13 he became an apprentice to the Ghirlandajor and later was taken into the Medici household. In 1501, he returned to Florence from Rome and received a lot of recognition.
Michaelangelo Essay Research Paper Summary Michelangelo
Michaelangelo Essay, Research Paper Summary Michelangelo was a genius. He was among the few, if not the only artists to create multiple masterpieces. His skills in art were not limited to just one medium, such as stone, but he exploited himself with paper, plaster, and stone. His talent was to an extent where he would be referred to as divine, during his lifetime.
Magnificent Minds Of The Renaissance Essay Research
Paper The high renaissance of the 1500’s was a time of scientific, philosophic, and artistic awe and inspiration. Many new discoveries were being made in the field of science, and philosophers expressed their assumptions on the world and universe around them. In addition, many individuals were gifted with artistic dexterity and skill.
Michelangelo Essay Research Paper Michelangelo was one
Michelangelo Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo was one of the greatest artists of all time. He excelled in architecture, sculpture, painting, poetry, and engineering. He was a true Renaissance man who lived a long emotional life. In painting “The Last Judgment,” Michelangelo was able to incorporate all that he had learned about the human body.
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
Social Commentary In Art Essay Research Paper
Art, throughout the times have reflected, promoted and challenged the cultural beliefs of many different societies. To reflect a culture or society the artwork must create or suggest a particular impression of that era. To promote the cultural beliefs of a society the artwork must encourage and support the beliefs.
Sitine Chapel Essay Research Paper The Sitine
Sitine Chapel Essay, Research Paper The Sitine Chapel There are many different pieces and many different style of art in the world. But none may hold more power and creativity than the one about to be discussed. This piecs of art is known to us as The Sistine Chapel. The Encylapedia of America says “this chapel was built by Giovannia de’ Dolci between 1471 and 1484 for Sixtus IV” .”This masterpiece” as it was called by Carlo Pietrangeli the writer of the report on the Sistine Chapel.
Sistine Chapel Essay Research Paper papal chapel
Sistine Chapel Essay, Research Paper papal chapel in the Vatican Palace that was erected in 1473-81 by the architect Giovanni dei Dolci for Pope Sixtus IV (hence its name). It is famous for its Renaissance frescoes by Michelangelo.
Sistine Chapel Essay Research Paper Michelangelo Sistine
Sistine Chapel Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Ceiling Without question the most recognized work of the Renaissance is Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Named for Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (1471-1484), the chapel is simple in shape. Its measurements repeat those given in the Bible for the temple of Solomon.
Michelangelo S Sistine Chapel Essay Research Paper
Michelangelo s Sistine Chapel During the Renaissance period, there were many great artistic achievements that were incredible. Michelangelo Buonarroti was one of the most famous personalities from this era. He was an accomplished artist, sculptor, architect, and poet who created many astounding works.
Micheangelo Essay Research Paper Michelangelo Michelangelo
Micheangelo Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo Michelangelo Buonarroti born March 6, 1475 in the small village of Caprese Italy. A sculptor, architect, painter, and poet in the Italian high renaissance. Michelangelo’s father Ludovico Buonarroti had connections to the raining Medici family, Michelangelo studied at the gardens when he was 15 years old, shortly after he was invited into the household of Lorenzo de’ Medici, the magnificent.
Michelangelo 2 Essay Research Paper Michelangelo Buonarroti
Michelangelo 2 Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo Buonarroti is arguably one of the most inspired creators in the history of art and the most potent force in the Italian High Renaissance. As a sculptor, architect, painter, and poet, he exerted a tremendous influence on his contemporaries and on subsequent Western art in general.
Clasical Conditioning Essay Research Paper Classical ConditioningWe
Clasical Conditioning Essay, Research Paper Classical Conditioning We can see learning taking place all the time, but there is no simple explanation of the process. Psychologists have examined four types of learning; one of these is classical conditioning or response learning. Classical conditioning is the easiest kind of learning.
Pope Julius II Essay Research Paper POPE
Pope Julius II Essay, Research Paper POPE JULIUS II Pope Julius II was a powerful ruler and also the greatest art patron among the popes. His reign is considered one of the most brilliant in the Renaissance period. He was born Giuliano della Rovere, in Albisola, Italy in 1443. He became a Franciscan priest in 1468.
Sistine Chapel Essay Research Paper The Presence
Sistine Chapel Essay, Research Paper The Presence of God Michelangelo’s paintings on the Sistine Chapel contain a strong presence of God. The ideas and stories of the Bible lie at the surface of the entire ceiling. All these stories are taking from the book of Genesis, which would not be possible without God.
Yeat
’s “Long Legged Fly” Essay, Research Paper The Symbolism of ?Long Legged Fly? An analysis of Yeats? poetry In his poem ?Long Legged Fly?, William Butler Yeats, examines the
The Eoropean Renaissance Essay Research Paper The
The Eoropean Renaissance Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance, which began in Italy in 1300s, was one of the largest periods of growth and development in Western Europe. There were many factors leading to the Renaissance. First was the development of Scholasticism. This was an attempt to mix Christian beliefs with non-Christian philosophy.
Ben Folds Five Essay Research Paper Ben
Ben Folds Five Essay, Research Paper Ben Folds Five Ben Folds Five is a band who started in 1994. Ben Folds Five is a trio not a quintet, which it is often mistaken for. The band originated in Chapel Hill,
Renaissance Essay Research Paper Essay written by
Renaissance Essay, Research Paper Essay written by Stephen Sanchagrin The Renaissance was “A revival or rebirth of cultural awareness and learning that took place during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, particularly in Italy,” according to Art In Focus. It followed the Middle Ages, and was basically a time of the revival of learning after the Middle Ages, or Dark Ages, a time with little increase of ideas, inventions or developments.
Raphael Essay Research Paper Raphael Raphael was
Raphael Essay, Research Paper Raphael Raphael was an Italian Renaissance painter who is considered one of the greatest and most popular artists of all time. He was born Raffaello Santi or Raffaello Sanzio in
Raphael Essay Research Paper Raphael was one
Raphael Essay, Research Paper Raphael was one of the great artists of Renaissance times. Raphael is best known for his Madonna’s and for his large figure compositions in the Vatican in Rome [Nicolas Pioch, Raphael]. He was one of the best at using depth perception in his work. Raphael’s talents are often over looked because people are interested more in the works of Michelangelo and DaVinci.
Michelangelo Essay Research Paper MichelangeloMichelangelo is easily
Michelangelo Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo Michelangelo is easily one of the greatest artists of all time. His name has been synonymous with the word masterpiece. Other artists works are no match for Michelangelo s amazing creations. He created works of extreme beauty, which expressed the full extent of the human condition.
Michelangelo Essay Research Paper Michelangelo Michelangelo lived
Michelangelo Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo Michelangelo lived from 1475-1564. He was arguably one of the most inspired creators in the history of art. As a sculptor, architect, painter, and poet, he had a tremendous influence on his contemporaries and on following Western art in general.Michelangelo s father, a Florentine official named Ludovico Buonarroti with connections to the ruling Medici family, placed his 13-year-old son in the workshop of the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio.
Michelangelo Essay Research Paper Michelangelo Michelangelo was
Michelangelo Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo Michelangelo was pessimistic in his poetry and an optimist in his artwork. Michelangelo’s artwork consisted of paintings and sculptures that showed humanity in it’s natural state. Michelangelo’s poetry was pessimistic in his response to Strazzi even though he was complementing him.
Michelangelo Essay Research Paper Michelangelo was an
Michelangelo Essay, Research Paper Michelangelo was an optimist in his artwork and his sculptures. Michelangelo?s artwork consisted of paintings that showed humanity in its natural state. Michelangelo?s showed optimism in every figure he sculpted. Michelangelo?s sculpture brought out his true feelings of the world and how he viewed it.
Untitled Essay Research Paper Renaissance Essay
Untitled Essay, Research Paper Renaissance Essay The 14th, 15th and part of 16th century was a glorious time for Europe, it was the reformation of many old ideas and the formation of many new, this was called the Renaissance. The Renaissance brought many changes to Europe, the economy was greatly boosted by of all the new explorations.
Moby Dick
– Brotherhood Is Introduced Essay, Research Paper In the intricate novel of Herman Melville?s Moby Dick, the notion of a ?universal brotherhood of Man? is introduced in the first fifteen chapters. Melville uses the relationship of Ishmael and Queequeg and the everyday standards of the shipmen to illustrate these ideas.