The creation of Adam is one of the most famous frescoes in the history of art, painted by Michelangelo on the vault of the Sistine Chapel, in the Vatican. It depicts the moment when God gives life to Adam, the first man according to the Bible and the Quran.
Historical context of the work
The creation of Adam is part of the nine frescoes inspired by the book of Genesis, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 on the central part of the vault of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. This chapel, built at the end of the 15th century, is the place where the cardinals meet to elect the pope.
Michelangelo was hired by Pope Julius II to decorate the vault, which was originally painted in blue with golden stars. The pope asked him to represent the twelve apostles, but Michelangelo proposed a more ambitious and complex project, which retraces the history of humanity from creation to the flood.
Michelangelo worked alone on the realization of the frescoes, with the help of some assistants to prepare the colors and coatings. He used the technique of fresco, which consists in painting on a fresh plaster made of lime and sand. He had to face several difficulties, such as the height of the vault (20 meters), the curvature of the ceiling and humidity problems.
The creation of Adam was completed around 1511. It constitutes the fourth story of the series, preceded by the separation of land and water and followed by the creation of Eve. It illustrates the biblical text from the book of Genesis: “God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him”.
Analysis of the painting
The creation of Adam is a fresco of 280 x 570 cm. It depicts the moment when God stretches his index finger towards that of Adam without touching it, thus transmitting his vital breath to him. God is carried by a group of naked angels and surrounded by a red drapery that evokes a shell or a uterus. He has a severe face and a long white beard. He holds under his left arm a woman who looks at Adam with curiosity. She is probably Eve, who is not yet created.
Adam is lying on a green hill that symbolizes earth. He has a muscular and harmonious body, inspired by ancient statues. He has a youthful face and curly hair. He stretches his right arm towards God with a melancholic and resigned expression.
The composition of the painting is based on a diagonal that connects the two protagonists. The gesture of the two fingers creates a dramatic tension and an expectation of contact that will give birth to humanity. The contrast between bright colors group divine and darker colors group human highlights difference between two worlds.
Interpretation
The creation of Adam is a remarkable work by its technique and expressiveness. Michelangelo shows his mastery of drawing and modeling, as well as his knowledge of human anatomy. He creates an effect perspective and depth thanks to variations size and color characters.
Michelangelo also expresses his personal vision relationship between God and man. He represents God as powerful but also human being , who shares with Adam same morphology and same posture. He suggests thus that man is created in image God, but also that God makes himself close man.
Michelangelo also illustrates theme human dignity, dear Renaissance. He represents Adam as beautiful and perfect being, endowed with intelligence and freedom. He evokes thus creative potential spiritual humanity, but also its fragility dependence towards God.
The creation of Adam is therefore masterpiece Michelangelo, which summarizes his art and his thought. It is also one most famous celebrated icons universal art, subject countless quotations, tributes parodies.
