What is the

message of The
Creation of Adam?

The Creation of Adam was painted by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican
City between 1508-1512. 'The Creation of Adam represents the moment in which humanity was created
through the hands of God.
In 1990, Frank Lynn Meshberger, M.D proposed that the painting may be hiding an anatomical
depiction of the human brain and that the depicted God is superimposed on the emotional side of the
brain, the limbic system.
Why is Adam not touching God's finger?
Both God's and Adam's fingers are not in contact, which signifies the gap that exist between them, and
that they are not on the same level, as would be with two people shaking hands. The man's image appears a
mirror reflection of God, which symbolises God creating man in his own image and likeness.

What does The Creation of Adam

tell us about God?
These show that God is a creator as revealed in the book
of Genesis. It also highlights that God is omnipotent (all-
powerful) as God created the universe. God's age highlights
that God is omniscient (all-knowing) showing that he has
wisdom. His hand stretching out symbolises giving Adam the
spark of life.
How does The Creation of Adam show humanism?
Michelangelo's Creation of Adam painted in the Sistine Chapel is very lifelike while the medieval
Adam and Eve Reproached by the Lord offers more structure in a three-dimensional sense.
Michelangelo presents traits of humanism in The Creation of Adam by mirroring the image of a man
so close to God.

What did The Creation of Adam

influence?
The Creation of Adam demonstrates the power of a
gesture, in painting. It influenced a host of contemporary
works, including the Resurrection of Lazarus by
Sebastiano del Piombo.
Why is The Creation of Adam controversial?
Nudity is the primary reason why The Creation of Adam was controversial. Many people in the
Catholic Church found the painting to be too sexualized to decorate a church. This controversy grew
after Michelangelo's death.

work done by: Carlota

Falcato e Patrícia Reis