The Beauty of Michelangelo’s Art!!!
There is a new exhibition travelling across the country called the “Sistine Chapel - The Experience.” This experience is brought to us by CBF Productions, and runs in Indianapolis until August 28. If you are interested, here is a link to view the exhibition and reserve a ticket time: https://sistinechapelexhibit.com/indianapolis/
As the exhibit’s web site says, The Exhibition showcases the awe and wonder of arguably one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements, while allowing its visitors to experience this art from an up-close, life-size, and never-before-seen perspective. With special expertise and care, the ceiling paintings from the Sistine Chapel have been reproduced in a truly unique way using licensed high-definition photos. Brought to life using a special printing technique that emulates the look and feel of the original paintings, visitors are given a chance to engage with the artwork in ways that were never before possible: seeing every detail, every brushstroke, and every color of the artist’s 34 frescoes. Each image is accompanied by informative signage.
Another great feature of this exhibition is that it has a corresponding app that you can load on your phone or smart device and by simply scanning a QR code, displayed at each painting, you get a lively narrated explanation of each painting and why Michelangelo painted each portrait. Another great activity allowed by this exhibition is that you can actually take photos or record videos, which is generally not allowed in any museum showing similar masterpieces. The pictures accompanying this post were taken at the exhibition.
A bit about this brilliant artist. Born Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, but known simply as Michelangelo, he was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet of the High Renaissance. He was born March 6, 1475, in Caprese Michelangelo, Italy and died February 18, 1564, in Rome, Italy
Michelangelo grew up to be a brilliant sculptor, as you can see in many of the European museums and adorning numerous churches throughout Italy. For a list of his incredible works, see this Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Michelangelo
In 1501, Michelangelo would complete his famous sculpture of King David, simply called David. A true masterpiece and without doubt the standard for what we all feel King David must have looked like. This was just two years after he sculpted the Pieta’; an exquisite representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the dead body of Jesus Christ.
Seven years later, Michelangelo would begin his most incredible and awe-inspiring work when he started to paint the Sistine Chapel, in Rome. For well over four years, and most of this time laying on his back, on scaffolding, painting the ceiling of this great chapel, he painted arguably the most incredible work of art, of all time!!!
Michelangelo may have been the most talented of all artists, throughout history, because of his range and variety. From paintings, to sculptures, he alone stands at the top of artistic royalty for his works. Michelangelo identified himself as purely, and only, a sculpture who didn’t think much of his painting skills. He was so adamant about his lack of painting skills, that he actually enlisted several artists to assist him on the Sistine Chapel. But none could actually paint as well as Michelangelo, so he fired them all. This gave Michelangelo the reputation of being a grumpy unlikeable man. But as you can see from the photos, Michelangelo was much too modest, as his painting style was excellent.
I am so very glad my mother installed a love of art in me. I marvel every day at the people who can depict the beauty of God’s creation, the work of God’s people, and the creativity of all who have shared such magnificent works, for us all to enjoy. I encourage you to check out some local art, in your nearby museums or art fairs. There is a tremendous amount of talent out there, must of it yet to be discovered. But if you only have time for one thing, I strongly recommend seeing the Sistine Chapel Experience.
For me, anything that can brighten our world, and honor God for the beauty and glory of His creation, is well worth a first, or second, look. It is totally understandable, that the Pope, leader of the Christian world at that time, wanted to surround himself and everyone around him, with these incredible works.
Grumpy prima donna or not, your brilliant work Michelangelo, to honor God and all of us, will live forever in the Sistine Chapel, for us all to see and marvel. Thanks to modern technology, we don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to see this incredible work. We can actually see it displayed here in our very country. I am so glad I got to experience this incredible exhibit!!!
