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

Creation of Adam

1510
Fresco, 280 x 570 cm
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

Seen against an indistinct natural background that is only just hinted at, as if it were the dawn of the world, the youthful, athletic figure reclining on a grassy slope, almost on the edge of an abyss, seems as if he is about to rise from the ground. He holds out his arm toward that of the Lord, who, borne aloft amidst a flight of angels, stands out brightly against the shell of shadow of his huge purple mantle. The remarkable invention of the outstretched arm and the forefingers about to meet becomes a metaphor for the vital energy that passes from the Creator to the creature fashioned in his image, awakwening his heroic vigor.