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

Ancestors of Christ: figures

1509
Fresco, 245 x 340 cm
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

The figures are in the triangular spandrel in the second bay between Isaiah and the Delphic Sibyl, over the Josiah-Jechoniah-Shealtiel lunette.

The figures probably represent Jechoniah's family with their son Shealtiel. The poses of the figures, together with the nocturnal atmosphere, bring to mind the definition that St Paul gave of the ancestors of Christ as "pilgrims" and strangers on earth", on their way toward the promised land.