The Bible in Pictures

On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel God appears twice in one field. On the right he flings out both arms and sets sun and moon in their places; on the left he is seen from behind, already on his way to the plants.

Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512 for Pope Julius II. He worked from the entrance towards the altar, so the scenes of creation near the altar came last; by then his figures had grown larger and the brushwork faster.

With one hand God points at the sun, with the other at the pale disc of the moon at the edge of the field.

With one hand God points at the sun, with the other at the pale disc of the moon at the edge of the field.

The same figure a moment later, seen from behind, the soles of his feet towards us. Under his hand the first green appears.

The same figure a moment later, seen from behind, the soles of his feet towards us. Under his hand the first green appears.