|
PART OF SISTINE CHAPEL CEILING
|
c.1508~12 Fresco, 13.7*39cm.
This shows one sector of the work, vaulting across the
ceiling, that exemplifies the way in which Michelangelo
distributed the figures flanking the scenes of the Creation. On the one side there is the prophet Daniel holding
a huge volume which he supports on his knees with the
help of a little boy, and turning aside to take a note of
what he has read. Next to him is the Cumaean Sibyl peering into her book. On the opposite side there is the 'Persian' Sibyl, an old woman in Oriental costume, holding a book close to her eyes - equally engrossed in her researches into the sacred texts - and the Old Testament
prophet Ezekiel turning violently as if in argument. The
marble seats on which they sit are adorned with statues
of playing children, and above them, one on each side,
are two of the nudes gaily about to tie the medallion to
the ceiling. In the triangular spandrels he represented a
ncestors of Christ as they are mentioned in the Bible, surmounted by more contorted bodies. The astonishing
nude figures display all Michelangelo's mastery in dra
wing the human body in any position and from any angle.
|
