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

• Drunkenness of Noah
• The Deluge
• Sacrifice of Noah
• The Fall and Expulsion from Garden of Eden
• Creation of Eve
• Creation of Adam
• Separation of the Earth from the Waters
• Creation of the Sun, Moon, and Plants
• Separation of Light from Darkness