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The Genius of Michelangelo: A Guided Study of the Renaissance

The Last Judgment: Michelangelo's Final Masterpiece

The Last Judgment

The Last Judgment is a fresco painting created by Michelangelo on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. This masterpiece is considered one of the greatest works of art in the history of Western Civilization. Michelangelo began working on this painting in 1535 and finished it in 1541. The painting depicts the Second Coming of Christ and the final and eternal judgment by God of all humanity. It shows the souls of the saved rising up to heaven and the souls of the damned being dragged down to hell.

Controversy

The painting caused controversy when it was unveiled, as it depicted nudity and some of the figures were deemed inappropriate. Michelangelo was accused of obscenity, but he defended himself by saying that the nudity was necessary to depict the true nature of the human body.

Use of color and light

Michelangelo's use of color and light in the painting is breathtaking. The colors are vibrant and the shading is masterful. The painting is also notable for its use of foreshortening, a technique that Michelangelo used to create a sense of depth and perspective. The Last Judgment is a testament to Michelangelo's artistic genius and his ability to create works that are both beautiful and meaningful.

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Michelangelo's Influence on Art and Culture

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