It’s difficult to put into words the magnificence and mystical impact of experiencing Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Capel. Deservedly one of the most famous interior spaces in the world, it is divine in every sense of the word. The vision, mastery, and dedication required to create such astonishing frescoes on this vast scale are mind-boggling. You’ll be left in a state of sheer wonderment by Michelangelo’s grand papal commission.
Constructed in 1479 under the direction of Pope Sixtus IV, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City was designed as a space for cardinals of the Catholic Church to gather and elect a new pope. To this day, it continues to be used for the very same purpose, holding a central place in Christendom as the site of the papal enclave and the pope’s private chapel, attracting over 25,000 tourists and pilgrims every day.
TOP TIP: Given the sheer number of visitors, an early morning guided tour is the best way to experience the Vatican and explore the Sistine Chapel.
Built to mirror the dimensions of the Temple of Solomon on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, as described in the Old Testament, the Sistine Chapel has a surprisingly unassuming exterior, which further enhances the visual impact of the interior. The ceiling, too, was originally demure in its design, with simple golden stars adorning a plain blue background.
In 1508, however, Pope Julius II was on a mission to return Rome to its former glory. The modest ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was simply not impressive enough, thus leading to Michelangelo’s commission–to transform the vaulted Chapel ceiling into the collection of extraordinary Renaissance frescoes that remain to this day. A strenuous task that spanned a period of more than four years.
The Sistine Chapel frescoes
At the highest point of Michelangelo’s ceiling, some 65 feet above the ground, nine central panels depict the Creation to the Fall of Man from the Book of Genesis, including: “The Separation of Light from Darkness”, “The Creation of Adam”, and “ The Drunkenness of Noah”. Interestingly, Michelangelo chose to paint the panels in reverse chronological order, believing that he would have mastered his fresco technique when it came time to portray God’s creation of the sun, moon, and planets above the altar at the west end of the Chapel.
Upon entering the Chapel as part of your tour of Vatican City, you will first experience the Noah fresco, which was the starting point of Michelangelo’s ceiling. After completing this first panel, he realized the figures were too small for a ceiling of this size. This explains the larger, more expressive figures depicted in the subsequent eight central panels and surrounding narratives.
The Creation of Adam, located next to the Creation of Eve, is the most famous of the central frescoes. Supported by wingless angels, God extends his muscular frame toward Adam, who is depicted in a carefree reclining position, his left arm outstretched to meet God’s touch. It’s an incredibly powerful and emotive image and a prime example of Michelangelo’s profound understanding of the human form.
An intricate series of fictive architectural frescoes encircle the central Old Testament panels, with immense portraits of prophets and sibyls foretelling the coming of a savior in the accompanying eight triangular spandrels. In the pendentives (the four large spandrels placed in the corners of the Chapel), scenes from the Salvation of Israel serve as junctures to the narrative on the ceiling and walls.
Michelangelo’s legacy
Contrary to popular belief, Michelangelo did not paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling on his back. Instead, he devised an ingenious scaffolding platform that extended across half of the chapel and slotted into openings in the walls. This allowed him to paint from an upright position and tackle the difficult conditions he faced during the creating of his transcendental masterpiece.
Painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was such a monumental and challenging task that Michelangelo had to take a yearlong break in 1510. He displayed a characteristically different painting style upon his return, foregoing the addition of peripheral detail in his narrative. This allowed far greater emotionality to come through in panels like the Creation of Adam. As you explore the architecture and illustrations of the frescoes, from the east entrance to the alter on the west, it’s fascinating to follow the changes in his style and technique.
Whilst the Chapel’s interior boasts remarkable frescoes by many other Florentine Renaissance masters, including Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Perugino and Pinturicchio, Michelangelo’s ceiling remains the most influential work of in Vatican City. Regarded as one of the greatest achievements of Renaissance Art and Western painting, the complex narrative and skillful technique exhibited in Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel should be top of your list when visiting the Vatican during your trip to Rome.
