Title Slide:

Title: The Creation of Adam by Michaelangelo

Bongue, Majessa Mae

Section: BSENT 1-2

Date of Presentation: July 03, 2021

Abstract:

What is the study all about and what did you do/examine in the study?

One of the best-known images from the Sistine Chapel ceiling is Michelangelo’s
'Creation of Adam' in which God stretches out his finger to bestow Adam with life. This work of
Michelangelo observes how deeply held religious convictions provide catalysis for theological
reflection. Reflection on religious artwork assists the development of analytical skills and
comprehension of the Christian faith. This is realized through the engagement of artistic
creations within a theological and aesthetic framework. Accordingly, analysis enhances an
appreciation for the role of art in the study of theology and the broader aspects of knowledge
and learning, particularly the conduit between art and religion.

Introductory and objective slide:

Explain the topic and the key question that the paper is trying to answer:

 What is the topic and subject of the art presentation?

- The topic is Religion and Renaissance Art while the subject is ‘What has been the
impact of Michelangelo’s ‘ The Creation of Adam’

- The figures appear to be works of sculpting than they appear to be works of brush strokes.
The Sistine Chapel ceiling is a sort of summary of the book of Genesis. There is the Story of
Noah, that of Adam and Eve, and there is general Story of Creation. The Creation of Adam
stands out because the style it is painted in differs from the other frescos. For instance, the
figures are more dominated.

- Religious themes provided some of the most inspirations content for artists from the
Renaissance Era. That is why we chose this topic because it highlights the fresco paintings
before and it is an interesting artwork to discuss.
  Why did you choose the topic?

- We chose topic because we want to know more about the importance of Religion and
Renaissance Art beforeand after era. Because back then, there was a controversy that
Christian themed art did not seem to be publicly known until what was named the Early
Christian art era beginning about 313 before Constantine and ending around the 7th century.
From then, it became more widely accepted and known not until the 15th and 16th centuries
when Renaissance Art born under the combined influences of an increased awareness of
nature, a revival of classical learning, and a more individualistic view of man. It also give way to
the artist behind the recognition of fresco painting-- Michelangelo.

- Thus, the art within these structures, especially frescoes, played a huge role in worship and
reverence in Christian culture. There is no doubt that the fresco had a major impact on modern
Christian art. In fact, it is common place now in many churches across the world to display the
biblical stories as a reminder of adoration and worship that is why it is interesting to know the
essence of Art and Religion up to this present time.

 What is the key question that the AP will answer? What are your initial answer/s to the
question (hypothesis that needs to be proven)?

- What has been the impact of Michelangelo’s “The Creation”?

- The celebrated mural painting known as The Creation of Adam is one of a series of
Biblical images from the Book of Genesis, which were commissioned by Pope Julius II from
Michelangelo, for the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, Rome. Seen as a key work of
the Renaissance in Rome, its status as an iconic work of religious art is unrivalled, indeed,
some art critics consider it to be Christianity's greatest pictorial work. Originally, the design for
these Sistine Chapel frescoes was limited to the Twelve Apostles, together with a few other
decorative works. But, as he began work, Michelangelo enlarged the whole concept, and by the
time he finished in October 1512, he had painted more than 300 figures from the Book of
Genesis and other Old Testament stories, as well as Classical mythology. Despite all this, his
Sistine ceiling - known as the Genesis Fresco - of which The Creation of Adam is the central
work - is regarded as the quintessential expression of Renaissance art and one of the finest
Renaissance paintings of the 15th and 16th centuries.

- Although the others have gone further. Some assert, for instance, that a shadowy shape -
representing God's "breath of life" is visible in the space between God and Adam. Others claim
that the figures and shapes surrounding the figure of God are an exact drawing of the human
brain, in which the frontal lobe, brain stem and pituitary gland, are detectable, along with other
parts of the cerebrum. Still others have speculated that the red cloth surrounding God is in the
shape of a human uterus, while the green-coloured scarf at the bottom is actually a freshly cut
umbilical cord.

- Other issues include: the unknown identity of the feminine figure encircled by the left arm of
the Almighty. One possibility is that she represents an as yet unrealized Eve. The comparative
outlines of Adam and God have also attracted comment, to the effect that, while God and his
angel group form an ellipse (that is, a perfectly formed oval) symbolizing the cosmic egg, while
Adam forms only an incomplete oval. Readers will have to decide for themselves whether all
this is complex symbolism or empty speculation.

- The restoration of the mural painting was achieved betweenthe period of 1980 and 1994 and it
was particular significance due to the effect on art enthusiasts and historians. Colours and
details were revealed for the first time in centuries. However, this extraordinary event was not
without controversy, much of which has been dispelled (critics claim that much Michelangelo’s
original work was lost in the removal of various accretions)

 What are the objectives of the presentation?

- Its goal is to convey the significance behind Michelangelo's famous paintings to visitors
or readers. The story of Adam's creation provides a solution to the question, "Why are God and
Adam striving to reach each other's fingers."

- The objective of the presentation is to determine the theological analytical skills within
the context of the arts applying to individuals and communities, in the past, present and future.
Artworks contribute to an appreciation of the Christian creed as cultural forms capable of
expressing, illuminating and inspiring faith. This is achieved by engaging artistic creations with
both theological and aesthetic principles. Significantly, it enhances an appreciation for the role
of art in the study of theology and the broader aspects of knowledge and learning.

Critical reading:

Give multiple answers to the question in the Introductory and objective slide

 What does the artwork tell us about the the topic/subject of the AP?

-The major impression generated by this painting is the comparison between divine
dynamic energy - illustrated in the illusionistic movement of the Creator who appears to radiate
action - and human lassitude, represented by Adam's aura of slothfulness. In Renaissance
terms, The Creation of Adam encapulates the triumph of disegno over the lesser art of colorito.
This is as far as we need go, although others have gone further. Some assert, for instance, that
a shadowy shape - representing God's "breath of life" is visible in the space between God and
Adam.

- Despite all this, his Sistine ceiling - known as the Genesis Fresco - of which The Creation of
Adam is the central work - is regarded as the quintessential expression of Renaissance art and
one of the finest Renaissance paintings of the 15th and 16th centuries.

- The picture illustrates the Book of Genesis story of God breathing life into Adam, the first
human being. Michelangelo's powerful image of this scene - showing the spark of life being
passed from one outstretched fingertip to another - is a visual masterstroke. It has become an
iconic image of Christian art, as well as a modern graphic for the transfer of physical and
spiritual energy, and has an almost electrical magnetism.

 What does the artwork say about the key question of the AP?

What does Michelangelo aim to potray in his famous artwork, and why did he
make the hands in that way?

This transmission of advice from father to son might be interpreted in various ways.
However, the intense tension of the fresco obviously springs from the extended hands of this
relationship. Additionally, it comes from the sacred space that both separates and bonds
them.The magnitude of the space between the hands of God and God’s departing son
becomesobvious upon imagining how the fresco would look if the breach between the two
hands wereclosed. The narrative in the artwork would appear to reflect the story of the individual
andsociety as well as the religious aspect.

 Why did Michelangelo make the creation of Adam?

- Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine chapel when he was
in Rome working on the tomb of Pope Julius II. ... Michelangelo took inspiration from the Bible
and the book of Genesis, which states: “God created man in His own image, in the image of
God He created him” (Gen 1:27).

- Michelangelo was a devout Catholic but he was also strongly influenced by themes from
ancient Greek and Rome, as well as contemporary scientific ideas which feature in his
paintings. It is believed that Michelangelo took inspiration for this work from one of Ghiberti’s
panels depicting Adam and Eve

 What is the relationship of The Creation of Adam to the Christian religion?

- The Creation of Adam is related to the Christian religion because it is part of a much
larger scheme of decoration and art within the chapel, which represents much of the doctrine of
the Catholic Church. As well as, the painting is part of the creation story in the bible. As well as,
the painting is part of the creation story in the bible. It is also a famous religious moment in the
teachings of Christianity which remains strong within Italy. The painting captures the scene of
God breathing life into Adam who was to become the first man and was later joined together
with Eve who helped to start off the human race as we know it.

- The Sistine Chapel ceiling is the summary of the book of Genesis. Part of the bible stories on
the ceiling is the story of Noah, Adam and Eve, and the general Story of Creation.
- It illustrates the Biblical creation narrative from the Book of Genesis in which God gives life to
Adam, the first man.

Conclusion and reflections:

 Do you agree with the answer to the key question? Why or why not?

- Yes I definitely agree because Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’ fresco clarifies the
Biblical creation account from the Book of Genesis depicting God breathing life into Adam, the
first man. The claim that Michelangelo is one of the greatest artists of all time, and a man whose
name has become synonymous with the word ‘masterpiece,’ has been supported by this
analysis of the ‘Creation of Adam’ fresco. This analysis was assisted by consideration of
Michelangelo’s biography, description of the ‘Creation of Adam’ fresco, and a reflection on the
fresco. This is to remind men that they are created in the likeness and image of God (Gen 1:26,
NIV). The painting also creates suspense when the fingers of God and man are not in contact
although they are close to each other. This implies that God who is the giver of life is reaching
out to man and man is receiving in return.

- Furthermore, The ‘Creation of Adam’ is a detailed, incredible work that can be interpreted in
many different ways. The image has a spiritual message that asserts God as creator of
humanity, but the image could also have an anatomical meaning as well. It reflects that God
truly love us unconditionally and he never leave us despite of our mistakes, failures and wrong
decisions and also to value our life because we are all the Sons of God.

 What are your own reflections on the answer/s?

- The form of Adam is relaxed, suggesting that he is reaching out to God. The figure of
God, meanwhile, appears active and hard at work to make his creation perfect. It would make
sense to conclude that the figures are reaching out in a union and not separating from each
other. This painting is about the relationship that the creator has forged with his creation. By
simply stretching out his arms, God creates Adam and points out the Christ child as Adam's
saviour. Here, the creator is about to bestow Adam with everything that he will need, but God
has already seen the fall of man after temptation from the devil.

- Aside from that, I believe that God really wants to give Adam life, so it can be seen in the
painting that he really holds out his hand to it. That is why Adam's eyes were immediately
opened in the art work because God had successfully given him a life.