The Creation of Adam

“The Creation of Adam” [Michelangelo Buonarroti], 1511. Fresco. 480.10 cm x 230.10 cm.

The Creation of Adam is a fresco painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti around the year of circa 1511. It is approximately 480.10 cm x 230.10 cm in size. There are two main subjects in the painting, which are God and Adam. Adam is portrait as a naked muscular guy with short hair in the painting. God is surrounded by approximately ten angels. On the right side of the God, there is a not completely form female figure named Eve. Moreover, Christ child is sitting beside Eve. 

God extended His body and stretches His arm towards Adam. On the other hand, Adam is also looking at God, raised his finger towards the direction of God. Their fingertips do not connected. There is a gap between the fingertips which is a metaphor of synaptic cleft. God transmitting life and intellect to Adam through the fingertips. 

The painting is horizontally balance. There is regular rhythm created by the angels in the painting. The angels are similar in size and colour which gives people a sense of harmony. Furthermore, the unity of the painting is made up of proximity and repetition. Proximity is shown by angels as a group whereas there are repetition of size of angels. The overall background is an ambiguous space because I'm not sure what is it. It might be a sky or other things. 

This painting gives me a feeling of calmness and seriousness. It is showing a holy event occurred between God and Adam. The angels surrounded God makes the painting looks harmony too.