On November 1st, 1512, the Sistine Chapel ceiling opened to the public so that visitors could view the elaborate paintings of Michelangelo. Here are five things you probably did not know about the project that became one of the most important works of art in the world.
The chapel is the same size as Solomon’s temple as cited in the Old Testament. The outside measurements are difficult to obtain, however, the interior measures 134 feet by 44 feet. Unlike many churches in Italy, it has no processional doorways or exterior facade and can only be entered from internal rooms in the chapel.
Michelangelo Painted Himself Into The Sistine Chapel
There are some who believe that Michelangelo is one of the faces depicted at the Sistine Chapel. In the figure of the form with flayed skin, Michelangelo's distinctive face and beard are visible as St. Bartholomew on the wall that holds the altar. The figure of the saint is depicted as holding his own skin.
One Section May Contain A Hidden Brain
In Michelangelo’s depiction of God touching the finger of his creation, Adam, there is a shape in the background made by robes and angels who surround God. It bears such a resemblance to the brain of a human, complete with an artery, frontal lobe and stem, that art historians say it is probably not coincidental.
The Painting Of The Last Judgment Was Controversial
Michelangelo painted the scene of the Last Judgment between 1535 and 1541, and it depicted Chapter 20 of Revelations and was painted shortly after the sacking of Rome in 1527. It was controversial because many of the figures were painted naked, and the famed artist was accused of creating a work of art for a church that was obscene and immoral. Michelangelo responded to criticism by Biagio da Cesena, the master of ceremonies for the pope, by painting his da Cesena’s face as Minos, who was the judge in the underworld.
Many Of The Original Figures Were Changed
Pope Pius IV hired artist Daniele da Volterra in the 1560's to paint over the exposed private parts of the characters depicted in the Last Judgment. He also reworked the depiction of Saint Catherine and Saint Blaise because some found the original suggestive. After painting clothing over a number of Michelangelo’s figures, da Volterra became nicknamed “Il Braghettone” or “the breeches painter.”