This masterpiece by the great Michelangelo was completed
approximately 1511. The painting depicts God creating Adam as in the Book of Genesis. The painting is the
fourth of several panels that were painted on the Sistine Chapel, depicting the
story of The Creation of Adam. However,
it was the last to be finished. The Creation of Adam was made in a remarkable
two to three weeks while Adam had taken Michelangelo 4 days. Michelangelo
creates a tension to the viewer by not painting the fingers of God’s and Adam’s
fingers meeting. This tension is caused by anticipation for the moment when God
completes the first man, Adam.
In the
fresco (a mural), God is represented as a white-bearded man who is wrapped in a
cloak along with angels. Adam is the man on the left-hand side who is
completely naked, waiting to be given a breath of life.
