Bramante’s “Whispering Report” that Birthed the Sistine Ceiling Frescoes
In this lesson, we will explore a significant historical moment: the most beautifully delivered “whispering report” that led to the creation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes.
If you’ve taken any art-related courses, you’re bound to have studied the Sistine Chapel ceiling. This fresco, known as The Genesis, was painted by Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, one of the Renaissance’s three great masters. The story behind this masterpiece is particularly interesting and worth exploring.
I. Overview of the Sistine Ceiling Frescoes
1. The Holy City of Vatican
The Sistine ceiling frescoes are painted on the ceiling of a chapel called the Sistine Chapel. This chapel is located in Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, which spans only 0.44 square kilometers. What does 0.44 square kilometers mean? When I traveled to Italy, I went for a morning run and circled the entire border of Vatican City in just 15 minutes.
Vatican City is also the headquarters of the world’s largest religion, Catholicism, home to the Pope and some high-ranking clergy. Initially, the Sistine Chapel wasn’t considered a particularly important chapel, especially when compared to landmarks like Notre-Dame de Paris, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, or Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
2. Status of the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel originally had a pope named Pope Sixtus IV. He built the chapel as a private retreat for contemplation. Thus, it wasn’t initially a prominent chapel, but it became famous due to the Sistine ceiling frescoes.
3. A Gigantic Ceiling Fresco of Over 500 Square Meters
Image 1: A full view of the Sistine ceiling frescoes. What makes this painting so remarkable?
Let’s look at a few figures: the fresco is nearly 37 meters long and about 15 meters wide, covering over 500 square meters—an unheard-of scale for ceiling frescoes at that time. The Renaissance ideals of humanism are vividly expressed in Michelangelo’s Sistine ceiling frescoes: Man is the center of the universe, and the power of personality, the passion for life, and creativity are the eternal themes that artists should convey.
Another well-known fresco is Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (Image 2), which, at that time, was already considered a large fresco, measuring 9 meters wide and 4 meters high. Yet, it is more than ten times smaller than the Sistine ceiling frescoes, making the Sistine ceiling a remarkable achievement based solely on its size. Furthermore, the fresco features over 300 figures and took more than four years to complete, making it an impressive feat in terms of labor and design complexity.
In The Last Supper, the expressions of the figures—fear, anger, doubt, and confession—are depicted with intricate detail through gestures, eyes, and actions, capturing vivid realism. This fresco is housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy.
4. Main Content of the Sistine Ceiling Frescoes
What does the Sistine ceiling fresco depict? It is divided into three levels, as ancient architecture differs greatly from modern architecture. Today, walls are walls, and ceilings are ceilings, but in the past, there was an arched transition between walls and ceilings. Thus, the Sistine ceiling fresco starts from the arched area above the windows.
The content of the Sistine ceiling fresco can be understood in three layers:
- The lowest layer (Image 3) features 12 triangular panels, each depicting the ancestors of Jesus and their stories.
Above that, between the triangular panels and the ceiling, are figures (Images 4 and 5) from the Old Testament who lived before Jesus, including prophets and seers who accurately foretold the coming of Jesus.
- The topmost layer is the main area, featuring The Genesis, the first chapter of the Bible, which describes God’s creation of the world. This is the overall concept of the ceiling fresco.
II. The Origin of the Sistine Ceiling Frescoes
1. The Greatest Painting by the Hands of a Sculptor
Logically, such an extraordinary work should have been undertaken by the most exceptional painter of the time, or at least by someone who considered themselves a painter. Yet, the story behind it is quite unusual.
Though art training back then was comprehensive—sculptors also learned to paint, and painters learned sculpture—Michelangelo, the creator of the Sistine ceiling fresco, was primarily a sculptor and did not consider himself a painter.
According to historical records, there was a very ambitious pope named Julius II who liked to undertake grand projects. He had two major projects: St. Peter’s Basilica and his own tomb. He assigned the design and construction of his tomb to Michelangelo, while the supervision of St. Peter’s Basilica was entrusted to the renowned architect Donato Bramante.
It’s recorded that Bramante, out of jealousy, slandered Michelangelo to the pope. Fearing that the artistic achievement of Michelangelo’s tomb would surpass that of the basilica he was building, Bramante persuaded the pope to abandon the tomb project and recommended Michelangelo to paint the Sistine ceiling.
However, I believe this story is far from straightforward. I think it might not have been Bramante who slandered Michelangelo. Who had greater motive? It was likely Raphael, another of the Renaissance’s three greats.
2. Bramante’s Slander to the Pope
I researched the ages of these artists, as we often perceive all historical figures as being much older than us by several centuries. For example, Bramante was 30 years older than Michelangelo. When Michelangelo was 30, Bramante was already a 60-year-old master architect.
Jealousy usually arises between individuals of similar age. When someone is only slightly better than you, you may feel jealous, but when they are far superior, you are more likely to admire them.
Since Bramante was significantly older than Michelangelo, it’s unlikely that a renowned master would be envious of a younger contemporary. This brings us to Raphael, who might have been the true instigator. Why might Raphael be the mastermind behind the scenes?
From a reputational perspective, in order for a painter to gain recognition, their works needed to be displayed in visible public spaces. For example, The Last Supper was commissioned by a convent, where everyone could see it. Alternatively, one’s work could be displayed in a publicly accessible church, but as mentioned earlier, the Sistine Chapel was a private chapel of the pope. In other words, this great work would not be seen by the public at that time.
Thus, it was a labor-intensive and thankless task. It required significant time and effort, yet only a few clergy members could see it. From today’s perspective, it had low visibility and limited influence.
3. Raphael’s Calculated Revenge
Raphael, with his extensive experience in painting, would have understood that such a large project would be exhausting, especially painting on a ceiling. He likely saw this as an opportunity for payback, as Michelangelo frequently mocked Raphael, believing that only sculpture was a “manly” pursuit, while painting was “women’s work.” Michelangelo even ridiculed Raphael as effeminate. Thus, Raphael had ample motive to use his influence to maneuver his rival into a challenging and unrewarding endeavor.
Historical records support this. When the pope initially asked Michelangelo to paint the ceiling, Michelangelo resisted and even recommended Raphael for the job, arguing that Raphael was the better painter. This suggests that the decision of who would paint the ceiling involved mutual reluctance between the two.
4. Factionalism Among Countrymen
There’s another reason worth mentioning. If you dig deeper, you’ll find that Raphael and Bramante came from the same hometown, and in those days, hometown ties often led to alliances.
Thus, it seems likely that Raphael nudged Bramante to influence the pope, while Michelangelo, known for his arrogance, had a disdainful attitude toward his contemporaries. This led his rivals to unite and “recommend” Michelangelo for this daunting project.
Yet, in the end, it’s thanks to Michelangelo’s sculptor’s perspective and lack of traditional painting training that he dared to take on such a monumental project.
I venture to speculate with a bit of a skeptical mind: the Sistine Chapel ceiling was actually born out of a carefully planned act of revenge by Raphael, making it the most beautiful “complaint” in history.
When visiting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, remember to book tickets in advance. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, don’t miss the “city within a city,” Vatican City. You must see the Sistine Chapel ceiling in person. Here’s a very practical tip: make sure to purchase your tickets in advance on the official website of the Vatican Museum. If you plan to buy tickets on-site and queue for entry, be prepared to wait for at least three hours.
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni: The Master of Renaissance Art
Who was Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni?Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, commonly known as Michelangelo, was a seminal figure in the history of art. Born on March 6, 1475, in Caprese, Italy, he is best known for his extraordinary contributions to sculpture, painting, and architecture during the Renaissance period. His works continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.Michelangelo’s Famous Works
Among Michelangelo’s most renowned creations is the David, a masterpiece that stands as a symbol of Renaissance art. The Michelangelo David statue, completed between 1501 and 1504, depicts the biblical hero David before his battle with Goliath. This iconic sculpture showcases Michelangelo’s mastery of human anatomy and emotion.In addition to the David, Michelangelo created numerous other significant works, including stunning Michelangelo paintings such as the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It took Michelangelo approximately four years to complete this monumental task, which included famous scenes like The Creation of Adam.The Life and Legacy of Michelangelo
Michelangelo’s life was marked by both artistic genius and personal struggles. He was known for his intense dedication to his craft, often working long hours to perfect his art. His unique style combined elements of realism with idealism, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from the High Renaissance to Mannerism.How Did Michelangelo Die?
Michelangelo died on February 18, 1564, in Rome at the age of 88. His death marked the end of an era in art history, but his influence continues to resonate through centuries.What Can We Learn from Michelangelo?
Michelangelo’s work exemplifies the ideals of the Renaissance: a focus on humanism, beauty, and expression. His ability to convey emotion through marble and paint has left an indelible mark on art history. His approach can teach modern artists about dedication and the pursuit of excellence.The Connection Between Michelangelo and Popular Culture
Interestingly, Michelangelo’s legacy has transcended traditional art circles; he is also referenced in popular culture. For instance, one can find a character named Michelangelo TMNT, who is one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This character embodies qualities reminiscent of Michelangelo’s artistic spirit—creativity and a love for life.In summary, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was not just an artist; he was a visionary whose works have shaped our understanding of art. From the Michelangelo David statue to his breathtaking Michelangelo paintings, his contributions are celebrated worldwide. As we explore his life and work, we gain insight into the heart of Renaissance art and its enduring impact on culture today.
