Created by Michaelangelo, the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest masterpieces of the world. In three sections the paintings depict the creation of the universe by God; the creation of man and his expulsion from the Garden of Eden and; the story of Noah and his Ark.

Michaelangelo worked from 1508-1512 on this work. The art in the Chapel was restored in the 1980's. This revealed the most beautiful, vivid pastels which had looked like dark shades of color and gray prior to the cleaning. We are now able to view the paintings as they were intended, although the restoration was quite controversial due to concerns of compromising the artists original work.

The picture at the left of the ceiling is outside the Sistine Chapel in many languages so viewers can have some education before entering. Tour guides abound, preparing visitors for their experience inside the Chapel. The art witnessed clearly makes this a museum experience but the fact that this is an active Roman Catholic Chapel where the Pope is elected makes this a religious event, as well. It is expected that no one should speak or take photos inside the Chapel which added to the solemnity of the moment.


Michaelangelo returned to the Vatican from Florence, where he worked for the Medici family, in 1534, to create the Last Judgment (left). This vibrant painting is divided into three sections, Heaven at the top, in the middle is souls heading up to Heaven and down to the lower level of Hell. This was a very controversial work of art. A major religious leader is shown in the lower right corner in Hell after he objected to Michaelangelo's graphic style.

St. Bartholomew, who was skinned alive, is shown with the face of Michaelangelo contorted in his dropping skin.

Since its completion in 1541, loincloths and drapes have been added to the figures. They were later removed when the work was cleaned in the 1980's. A small section of the masterpiece was left uncleaned in the upper right corner to show the difference.

I was overwhelmed with emotion in the Sistine Chapel. The combination of religious and historic importance were quite powerful.