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

Ancestors of Christ: figures

1511
Fresco, 245 x 340 cm
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

The figures are in the triangular spandrel in the eighth bay between the Persian Sibyl and Jeremiah. The spandrel is above the Salmon-Boaz-Obed lunette.

The family group fits perfectly into the triangular field and appear, for once, closely linked by the interplay gestures and glances, focused on the woman's activity. In accordance with the lunette below, it assumed that the boy is Salmon.

The bronze nudes in the fields above the cornice are depicted bent forward in an odd, uncomfortable pose, as if they were trying to peep upward.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.