Picture 9: Capella Sestina
The birth of Adam
The birth of Adam is one of Michelangelo’s most renowned works of art. It
is part of the “Creation of the World” on the ceiling of Capella Sestina.
In this composition, the main characters are God, pictured alongside
angels and a womanly figure on his left, and Adam pictured inert and
weak.
God’s extended arm, being a few centimeters away from Adam’s ribs is a
symbolical act full of supernatural mystery
The spectator facing this powerful image can feel the great tension of the
specific moment where time equalizes with movement and the godly power
breathes life into the human body.
It is worth mentioning that the feeling of melancholy and Adam’s look may
be hinting the fate of man until Judgement Day.
Even God himself seems suspicious as if he is expecting Adam to disobey
his laws.
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