The Creation of Adam

Describe: One older man is being carried by flying angels and another younger man is sitting naked on a hill side. The men are reaching out their hands to touch one another. Colors being used are blues, greens, reds, and muted pinkish.

Analyze: The painting is intensified gravely due to the bright colors, like the green and red. Michelangelo uses opposite colors on the color wheel to make the painting pop. The line created by the figures hands directs your eye to the middle, two figures creating a symmetrical image. Both men have the same position but it is flipped, there is balance because of it. Form is used to make an illusion of 3D images, the men are bigger than the hills behind them creating space. Value is created with light and dark contrast of colors and the dark and bright lighting.

Interpret: Since the viewers eye is directed to the touch of the men, this symbolizes the beginning of life for Adam and for all of humanity. The two figures are united though touch, but also where they reflect the same stance symbolizes the similarity of God and humans. The space created between God and Adam symbolizes the separation from heaven and earth. The earth Adam is sitting on also shows the separation between the human world with God's world. The mood of life is created with the vibrant shades of green and blue; giving off an earthy feel.

Judge: The painting draws me in both in the meaning and the painting. It shows me that with just a touch, God can create a whole human race. The are work is very visually interesting because of the detail and full picture, like the cherubs holding God, Mary, and Jesus. The use of Mary and Jesus show that Jesus will have to fix the sin that Adam will imprint in the world. The artist was very successful in communicating the content of the work. The art is not just a visual picture, but a mental picture because of all the reasoning and the story behind it.

Artist: Michaelangelo

Title: The Creation of Adam

Date: 1508-1512

Medium: Fresco

Provenance: The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Source: http://www.italianrenaissance.org/michelangelo-creation-of-adam/