The Creation of Adam is only part of the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, but something in this work stands out above everything else. It is one of the most emblematic in European art history.
The Creation of Adam is a fresco by Michelangelo, created between 1508 and 1512, which is part of the painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The picture, of course, depicts the biblical story of creation, which tells of a God who breathed life into the first man. This is the fourth image of a complex iconographic scheme depicting episodes of Genesis.
Michelangelo’s original task was to paint the Twelve Disciples of Jesus on the ceiling with ornaments covering its central part. Pope Julius II commissioned it. However, the artist persuades the pope to give him a more complex task, which represents the creation, the fall of man, the salvation
of the prophet, and the genealogy of Christ. The composition consists of more than 300 images and spreads over 500 square meters.
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is taken as a summary of Genesis. There is the story of Noah, that of Adam and Eve, a common story of creation and other recognizable moments. However, the Creation of Adam differs from all other paintings. The style in which it is painted differs from other frescoes. The figures are more dominant and look more like sculpted statues than works of brush strokes. Through this picture, we can see, that Michelangelo’s main occupation is sculpting.
The painting depicts much more than the bold point of view of the artist – it is not surprising that it represents the most famous part of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In Michelangelo’s time, most artists created their art in
a specific way. Scenes of creation were a common theme, but The Creation of Adam was unlike anything created to that moment.
Looking at the picture, it becomes clear that Michelangelo took a bold step. Prior to that, God was portrayed as the majestic and omnipotent ruler of mankind. But instead of giving him royal clothes, the artist reduces him to an ordinary old man with a thick beard, dressed in a white tunic. This image raises the question – is this the face of God?
This is an intimate image of his being. He is depicted as accessible, standing close to his creation – Adam. Many questions are raised about the angelic figures that surround him. They have no wings. This raises doubts about what they really are. Right under the outstretched hand of God is a female figure. Critics recognize her in the patiently awaited Eve, who watches the completion of his work.
Even geographers interpret this picture as similar to two landmasses connected by a narrow strip. All scientists have tried to discover her secrets or, at least, get closer to them. All interpretations point in one direction. But why did Michelangelo choose not to meet their hands? The
distance between them is less than an inch, but this gap creates a giant change in the whole picture. Even after many conclusions have been drawn about the significance of the painting, it is still a mystery. Looking closely, one tends to see what is not there and feel the power that seems to exist in empty space.
However, one thing remains unclear – what does this picture mean? Initial conclusions cannot decipher the deeper meaning of the work. Michelangelo’s palette is beautifully captured, but he has a unique way of looking at the world. The obvious significance of the picture is the creation of man and the beginning of the human race. But if we look deeper, it embodies the connection that the Creator has built with his creation.
Not surprisingly, so many artists have tried to capture the true moment in which God breathes life into Adam. However, only Michelangelo manages to recreate this scene in such a flawless way, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel itself. Capturing this one moment, the creation of Adam, the artist will be remembered by every generation and will forever be associated with the best representation of creation.
