Biblical Scenes (Genesis)
by MICHELANGELO

The ceiling is divided by fictive cornice into nine compartments in which the stories of Genesis - from the Separation of Light from Darkness to the Drunkenness of Noah - are represented. In the five compartments above the thrones of the seers, the field of the narrative scenes is limited in size by the presence of four figures of ignudi. The scenes begin from the altar wall and proceed toward the entrance; Michelangelo painted them in reverse order since he started from the area near the entrance wall.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 12 minutes):
Joseph Haydn: The Creation, introduction and aria


Summary of works by Michelangelo
All genres
Sculptures | Paintings | Sistine Chapel | Drawings | Architecture
Sculptures
-1501 | 1502- | David | Julius II's Tomb | Medici Tomb | Pietŕs
Paintings
Easel paintings | Frescoes in Pauline Chapel
Sistine Chapel
Division of the ceiling | Genesis | Prophets | Sibyls | Ignudi
Spandrels | Lunettes | Triangles | Medallions
Last Judgment
Architecture
until 1530 | after 1530