MICHELANGELO Buonarroti
(b. 1475, Caprese, d. 1564, Roma)

Reconstruction of the interior

1480s
Frescoes
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

This is a reconstruction of the interior of the Sistine Chapel in the days of Sixtus IV, before Michelangelo's alterations to the ceiling, showing its former decoration of star-spangled frescoes by Pier Matteo d'Amelia. The chamber is better lit and afford a more coherently enclosed volume, the walls having a concerted rhythm of division via cornices and pilasters. The 'cancellata' can be seen in its earlier place, before being moved closer to the entrance to leave more room for the 'papal chapel'.