“The Creation of Adam” is one of 9 frescoes written according to biblical subjects and making up the compositional center for painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Its author is Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564).
Background
Michelangelo is a renowned painter and sculptor of the Renaissance. He lived a long and fruitful life. Born in 1475, already in the late 80s of the 15th century, he began to study sculpture and fine art, and in the early 90s he created his first independent works. Even in these youthful works (the author is 15-17 years old), the makings of a future genius are noticeable. By the beginning of the 16th century, Michelangelo was already a rather famous sculptor.
In 1505, the pope invited him to create his own tomb, the work on which lasted almost 40 years. But the painting of the vaults of the Sistine Chapel, which was commissioned by the same Julius II, Michelangelo finished in record time. It took him only 4 years to create dozens of frescoes with a total area of 600 m², which depict more than 300 figures. The fresco "Creation of Adam" is one of the central in the whole composition.
Art historians note that Michelangelo took up the painting with great reluctance for painting the vaults. He offered to entrust this case to Raphael, but Julius II was adamant. Gradually, the work captivated the artist, so a masterpiece of monumental art was created.
The Sistine Chapel
The chapel was built at the end of the 15th century by order of Pope Sixtus IV. Currently, it is one of the most important places in the Catholic world. It is in this building that the conclave of archbishops and cardinals gathers to select a new pope.
As conceived by Sixtus IV, the chapel was supposed to resemble a fortress in appearance, symbolizing the impregnable center, the heart of the Catholic Church, and by interior decoration demonstrate the power of the Pope.
The building was built by an architect from Florence, Giorgde de Dolchi, and Botticelli, Rosselli, Perugino, Michelangelo and other famous artists of that time were engaged in painting and decorating the interior. The Sistine Chapel conquers the beauty and grandeur of biblical characters at first glance. "The Creation of Adam" - a fresco that occupies one of the central places in the painting, it is also one of the most expressive.
Vaults of the Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo created a grand ensemble on the ceiling of the chapel, in the center of which there are 9 stories from the Old Testament. The first plot is “The Separation of Light from Darkness,” the last is “The Intoxication of Noah.” The central place in the composition is occupied by the frescoes “Creation of Adam”, “Creation of Eve” and “The Fall”.
Along the perimeter of the frescoes of the central field, figures of young men and women, prophets and sibyls are depicted, and the sides of the arch are painted with plots from the Old Testament and represent the predecessors of Jesus Christ.
When Michelangelo took up the painting, he had neither the knowledge nor the experience in making frescoes. Specialists from Florence were invited to help him. But very soon the sculptor surpassed them in technology. Having driven away the assistants, he alone completed the painting of the huge ceiling.
The grand opening of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was timed to coincide with All Saints Day in October 1512. The first spectators were struck by the beauty and titanism of the images, the colossal size of the painting, which is distinguished by the unity of the plot. However, five centuries later, this work continues to fascinate and delight.
The Creation of Adam (Michelangelo). Description
The plot was taken from the Old Testament. The Bible says that God created man in his own image and likeness. The image can be divided into 2 parts. Above and to the right is the Lord. He appears in the image of a gray-haired, but full of physical strength of the old man. He is surrounded by a host of angels. Red draperies complete the look. They enhance the impression by conveying a sense of energy and strength.
Below and on the left is the figure of Adam. This is a wonderful young man. His powers are not yet awakened; he reaches for God with a weak hand. The right hand of the Lord is about to touch it and transmit life energy to a person. When the two hands touch, the act of creation will end.
Features of painting
The fresco "Creation of Adam" stands out among others created by Michelangelo. Probably, this plot especially excited him. It is noteworthy that it depicts not the physical creation of man, but the transfer to him of vital energy - the soul, the spark of God. The artist managed to show the dynamics and drama of the scene.
Art historians note that Adam Michelangelo reaches out with his hand not only to God, but also to Eve. She has not yet been born, the Almighty covers her with his left hand.
Until recently, Michelangelo was considered a poor colorist, noting that the images created by him more closely resemble painted statues. However, restoration work allowed to restore the original color of the frescoes. For the scene "Creation of Adam" were used saturated colors of various shades. In terms of painting technique, this work can be put on a par with those created by the predecessors of Michelangelo, Giotto, and Masaccio.