★★★★★ 5.0
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The Last Judgment
That sagging skin right there? Michelangelo painted his own FACE on it! The artist hid his self-portrait on the flayed skin held by Saint Bartholomew—kinda gross but super cool, right? This massive fresco is as tall as a four-story building and took Michelangelo over FOUR YEARS to paint while lying on his back! Count how many people you can spot—there are over 300 figures swirling around! Michelangelo was nearly 67 years old when he finished this in 1541, and he even painted a grumpy church official as the demon Minos wrapped in a snake because the guy complained about all the naked bodies! Can you find the muscular beardless Jesus in the center making everyone spin around him like a giant wheel?
Did You Know?
- Michelangelo's **The Last Judgment** in the Sistine Chapel was commissioned by Pope Clement VII but completed under Pope Paul III, reflecting the changing religious climate of the time. The fresco took four years to complete, from 1536 to 1541, and features over 300 figures, showcasing Michelangelo's mastery of composition and anatomy.
- The fresco was originally controversial due to its extensive nudity, leading to a 'campaign of fig leaves' where some figures were covered with painted draperies. However, restoration work has since revealed the original version, allowing viewers to appreciate Michelangelo's intended artistry.
- The painting is a powerful depiction of the Second Coming and the final judgment, with Christ at the center surrounded by saints and figures from the Old Testament. The fresco's monochromatic tones belie a rich chromatic range, discovered during restoration, which adds depth and emotion to the scene.