Michelangelo's Creation Of Adam

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Michelangelo is often referred to as one of the most artistic, if not the most artistic, mind of the Italian Renaissance. He was recognized for his contributions in introducing the new era of art. The Creation of Adam is arguably one of Michelangelo’s most brilliant masterpieces. The painting was created by Michelangelo Buonarroti who was born on March 6th, 1475 in Caprese, Italy and passed away on February 18th, 1564 in Rome. The painting was created sometime between 1511-1512 while Michelangelo was completing the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The painting has been restored many times, but to this day is still located on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The size of the Creation of Adam is 15’9” by 7’7”. This may just be a small …show more content…
In the painting Adam is illustrated in the nude lying in a masculine pose while also possessing a very muscular physique. Adam is positioned lying on the Earth’s surface surrounded by greenery prefacing the life that is about to be while outreaching a finger. Meanwhile God is being carried down by a group of angels in some form of elegantly colored drapery, affirming his role of power. As God is descending from the heavens he also has his finger stretched out. It is known that Michelangelo took pride in creating very detailed and intricate representations of men. This is shown in the painting by the shadowing and coloration that highlight the muscle tone of Michelangelo as well as God. The shape and mass of the two men are very similar, implying similarities between their powers. The two men are much larger than the other figures represented in the painting, again establishing their masculinity and superiority. Another shape that seems to stand out is that of the drapery in which God is being carried in. This drapery seems to resemble that of a brain, implying that God is passing on the power of thinking for oneself on to Adam. There is a line created between the outstretched fingers of the two men as well as lines created between the eyes of God as well as the Eve looking directly into Adam’s. The light colors in the picture carry a positive