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

Ezekiel (detail)

1510
Fresco
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

The vigorous figure of the prophet stands out clearly against the light background. It is painted with clear brushstrokes, strong contrasts of light and shade, and colour accords between the bright red of the tunic and the colder tones of both the cloth wrapped around his head and shoulders, and the mantle. The profile of the head is depicted in detail, accentuating its expressiveness, while that of the youth he appears to be addressing is rendered with soft glazes of colour. The plasticity of the figure is magnificently represented by the sculptural modeling, as well as by the neck and head, hands, and feet.