In Our Time The Sistine Chapel
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Apr 28, 2022 Catherine Fletcher, a historian specializing in the Renaissance, joins Sarah Vowles, curator at the British Museum, and Matthias Wivel, curator of sixteenth-century paintings at the National Gallery. They dive deep into Michelangelo's monumental work in the Sistine Chapel, exploring the stunning frescos of Genesis and The Last Judgment. The discussion touches on Michelangelo's artistic evolution, his rivalries with Raphael, and the chapel's rich historical and spiritual significance, revealing how these masterpieces have shaped art and culture through the ages.
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Sistine Chapel's Origins
- Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling in 1506.
- The chapel was originally built by Pope Sixtus IV, Julius II's uncle, to glorify Rome and serve as a venue for papal masses and conclaves.
First Impressions of the Chapel
- Tourists enter the Sistine Chapel through the clergy entrance, experiencing the space differently than intended.
- The chapel's vibrant colors and patterns create a jewel-box effect, with the ceiling's geometric abstraction resolving into detailed figures.
Original Viewing Experience
- Cardinals used to sit on the chapel steps, offering a different viewing perspective than today's standing tourists.
- This original seating arrangement allowed for a more contemplative experience of the artwork.