Hannah Valdes

Mrs. Lucarelli
Honors History
15 January 2016
Statue/Art
The Creation of Adam
By: Michaelangelo

This painting is practically the epitome of the great Renaissance Art. It reflect numerous
techniques and styles that were born in the era of the Renaissance and are unique to that time
period. For instance, in previous paintings from the Middle Ages, God was commonly shown
wearing royal, opulent clothing and was depicted as an all powerful ruler. In this painting, God
appears to look more relatable to civilians, and is shown wearing a light colored tunic, that
exposes his arms and legs to reveal his muscles. God is exhibited as more of a human than an
otherworldly power, which reflects the move to more secular styles in the Renaissance. In
addition to this, Adam is evidently exposed in the scene, and there were no attempts to conceal
his body as shown in many Medieval paintings. The background of the painting is not in the
heavens but rather on Earth, in a mountainous area, which was a key difference in Renaissance
paintings. This scene is extremely detailed and contains an obvious use of 3D techniques, shown
in the position of Adam and Gods bodies, and the figures surrounding God. Motion is also
present in the artwork, through Gods hair, the veil surrounding him, and the ripples in his tunic.
God is shown to be flying and soaring toward Adam. Gods and Adams toned and muscular
bodies exhibits the use of idealism, and Michelangelos desire to make the figures look
unrealistically perfect.
In order to truly appreciate this painting, viewers must understand the extreme spiritual
symbolism in the artwork. Primarily, the outstretched arms and nearly touching hands represents
the moment in which God breathed life into Adam and henceforth gave life to men on Earth.
Adams body appears to be lazy and lounging because he has not yet received life from God,
while God is shown to be dynamic and focused, as if he is hard at work with making his greatest
creation. Adams body is in a concave position, while Gods body is in a convex position, which
exhibits Adams and mans reliance and dependence on God. One of the most symbolic parts of
the painting, is the figures surrounding God. Most of the figures have been identified as angels,
but the woman to the left of God is thought to be one of two people. Some say that the woman
must be Eve, as she is waiting and watching the creation of her future husband, Adam. Others
say that the woman must be the Virgin Mary, because Gods fingers of his left hand are lying on
a baby next to the woman. The position of Gods fingers on the child are in the form in which a
priest gives a person the Eucharist during mass, which is thought to be the very body of the son
of God. Therefore, many people believe that the baby is Jesus, and the woman is the Virgin
Mary.