The Creation of Adam in the Vatican City

The fresco is part of a complex iconographic scheme and is chronologically the fourth in the series of panels depicting episodes from Genesis.

The Creation of Adam is a fresco painting by Italian artist Michelangelo, which forms part of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, painted c. 1508–1512. It illustrates the Biblical creation narrative from the Book of Genesis in which God gives life to Adam, the first man.

1920px-Michelangelo_-_Creation_of_Adam_(cropped) — **The image of the near-touching hands of God and Adam has become iconic of humanity / Image: Wikipedia**

God’s right arm is outstretched to impart the spark of life from his own finger into that of Adam, whose left arm is extended in a pose mirroring God’s, a reminder that man is created in the image and likeness of God.

According to an interpretation that was first proposed by the English art critic Walter Pater, the person protected by God’s left arm represents Eve and the eleven other figures symbolically represent the souls of Adam and Eve’s unborn progeny, the entire human race.

Featured Image: The Creation of Adam by Italian artist Michelangelo

Websites: museivaticani.va