The Sistine chapel ceiling paintings by Michelangelo were commissioned by pope Julius 2 in 1508, and were completed in 1512 . It was arduous work that required the artist to constantly paint while lying on his back, atop a scaffold that raised him to within inches of the ceiling. The paintings took four years to finish and it was physically, artistically and emotionally a tremendous feat by the artist, who created this masterpiece.
The painting covers 520 sq m of the ceiling and the central area is made up of nine panels showing scenes from the old testament. These panels are surrounded by figures from Greek mythology and Hebrew prophets. To this day these ceiling painting continue to inspire millions of pilgrims and tourists in Vatican City each year.
The painting covers 520 sq m of the ceiling and the central area is made up of nine panels showing scenes from the old testament. These panels are surrounded by figures from Greek mythology and Hebrew prophets. To this day these ceiling painting continue to inspire millions of pilgrims and tourists in Vatican City each year.