ROME: Sistine Chapel

My weekend trip to Rome Part 1 

Ancient architecture, the Pope, and vespa’s moving 100 mph are three things that immediately come to mind when I think of Rome. Unlike Florence, Rome is far larger in population.

Luckily the program and I weren’t a huge group of misguided Americans, and had knowledgeable tour guides and professors to show us around. Otherwise, I would not know where to start.

We began with a tour of the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel was named after Pope Sixtus IV. A combination of fresco and marble was used for a number of pieces done in the Sistine Chapel. The very quiet and serene chapel reminded me of being at a church service.

The young Michelangelo and Raphael were among many of the artist that contributed their work in the Chapel. It was interesting to learn about the first time Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Clement to depict “The Last Judgment.” in 1534. During that time period, Michelangelo was best known for his sculptures, using fresco was very new to him.

The Pope gave him directions and relayed to him exactly what he wanted depicted. Michelangelo did his best to oblige, and before he could complete the wall, the Pope changed his mind.

Outraged after spending so much time working on the Fresco, Michelangelo fled to Florence and left the painting unfinished.

Appalled and in a state of shock that a young boy would have the courage to do such a thing, the Pope ordered his return. Being the rebel Michelangelo was sometimes described as, he refused. As a result the Pope ordered a war with Florence.

For the will of the Florentine people Michelangelo returned, still a bit angered at the Pope.

This story was very interesting to me. According to the tour guide, there is evidence that Michelangelo was angered with Pope through his depiction of Jesus on the ceiling. There is a clear depiction of Jesus’ behind; some say Michelangelo purposely did this. 

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel, but I have tons to share from everywhere else. 

The guy with the boots is the Michaelangelo. He always wore those boots. The day he took them off, his flesh came off with them.