What is the Sistine Chapel and where is it located?

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel located within the Apostolic Palace, which serves as the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. It was originally known as the 'Great Chapel' or *Cappella Magna*.

Who is the Sistine Chapel named after and when was it built?

The chapel is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned its construction between the years 1473 and 1481. It has been a site for significant papal activities since its completion.

Which Renaissance painters contributed to the chapel's decoration during Pope Sixtus IV's reign?

During the reign of Pope Sixtus IV, a team of prominent Renaissance painters, including Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Cosimo Rosselli, created frescoes depicting the Life of Moses and the Life of Christ.

When was the first mass celebrated in the Sistine Chapel and what event did it commemorate?

The first mass in the Sistine Chapel was celebrated on August 15, 1483, coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption. On this occasion, the chapel was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

What significant artistic project did Michelangelo undertake in the Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512?

Between 1508 and 1512, under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted the chapel's ceiling. This monumental work is regarded as a pivotal moment in the history of Western art.

When did Michelangelo return to paint The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, and for which popes was this work commissioned?

Michelangelo painted The Last Judgment between 1535 and 1541, commissioned by Popes Clement VII and Paul III, following the political upheaval after the Sack of Rome in 1527.

What is the primary function of the Sistine Chapel today?

Today, the Sistine Chapel serves as the site for the papal conclave, the process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope. It also continues to host important papal services when the Pope is in Vatican City.

What was the original purpose of the Sistine Chapel within the Papal household?

The Sistine Chapel's primary function was as the chapel of the Papal Chapel (*Cappella Pontificia*), part of the papal household. It was used for the approximately 50 occasions throughout the year when the entire Papal Chapel was prescribed to meet.

What was the state of the previous chapel on the site before the current Sistine Chapel was built?

The previous chapel, known as the *Cappella Maggiore*, was recorded as existing in 1368. By the time of its demolition to make way for the present chapel, it was described as being in a ruinous state with leaning walls.

What is the significance of the Sistine Chapel's proportions?

The chapel's proportions are based on its length being used as the unit of measurement, divided by three for the width and by two for the height. These defined proportions reflect the Renaissance interest in classical heritage and mathematical harmony in architecture.

Describe the exterior appearance of the Sistine Chapel.

The exterior of the Sistine Chapel is unadorned by architectural or decorative details, which was common for churches of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. It lacks a distinct facade or processional doorways, as access is from within the Apostolic Palace.

What structural issues necessitated the use of large buttresses on the Sistine Chapel?

Subsidence and cracking of the masonry in the original *Cappella Maggiore* required the construction of large buttresses to brace the exterior walls of the present chapel, which was built on the same site.

How is the interior of the Sistine Chapel structured, and what is notable about its windows?

The building is divided into three stories. Internally, the chapel has six tall arched windows on each side and two at each end. Some of these windows have since been blocked.

What was the original appearance of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling before Michelangelo's work?

Before Michelangelo painted the ceiling, it was decorated with a brilliant blue background studded with gold stars, designed by Piermatteo Lauro de' Manfredi da Amelia. This original decoration was entirely replaced by Michelangelo's frescoes.

What is the pattern of the Sistine Chapel's pavement, and what does it signify?

The pavement is made of *opus alexandrinum*, a decorative style using marble and colored stone. The pattern reflects the chapel's interior proportions and marks the processional way used by the Pope on important occasions, such as Palm Sunday.

What divides the Sistine Chapel into two parts, and who created it?

A screen, known as a *transenna*, made of marble, divides the chapel into two sections. It was created by artists Mino da Fiesole, Andrea Bregno, and Giovanni Dalmata.

What was the original purpose of the marble screen (*transenna*) in the Sistine Chapel?

The *transenna* originally created equal space for the members of the Papal Chapel within the sanctuary near the altar and for pilgrims and townsfolk outside. However, as the number of attendees grew, the screen was moved, reducing the space for the laity.

What are the three main tiers of decoration on the side walls of the Sistine Chapel?

The side walls are divided into three tiers: the lowest tier features frescoed hangings in silver and gold; the central tier contains the cycles of *The Life of Moses* and *The Life of Christ*; and the upper tier, at the level of the windows, includes the *Gallery of Popes* and the *lunettes* containing the *Ancestors of Christ*.

What themes are depicted in the frescoes on the southern and northern walls of the Sistine Chapel?

The southern wall is decorated with scenes from the *Life of Moses*, while the northern wall features scenes from the *Life of Jesus* (or *Life of Christ*). These cycles were created by several prominent Renaissance artists.

What was Michelangelo originally commissioned to paint on the Sistine Chapel ceiling?

Michelangelo was initially commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the twelve Apostles on the triangular spandrels supporting the vault. However, Michelangelo negotiated for a free hand in the pictorial content.

What subjects did Michelangelo ultimately depict on the Sistine Chapel ceiling?

Michelangelo painted nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, depicting God's Creation of the World, His relationship with mankind, and mankind's fall from grace. He also painted twelve Biblical and Classical figures who prophesied Christ's coming on the corner pendentives, and the Ancestors of Christ in the lunettes.

What was the nature of the scaffolding Michelangelo used for the ceiling, and how did he paint?

Contrary to popular belief, Michelangelo did not lie down to paint. He worked from a standing position on a flat wooden platform supported by brackets built out from the walls, not from a scaffold suspended in the air with ropes as initially proposed.

How large is the painted area of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and what does this imply about Michelangelo's work?

The painted area of the ceiling is approximately 40 meters (131 feet) long and 13 meters (43 feet) wide. This means Michelangelo painted over 5,000 square feet (460 m²) of frescoes.

What event necessitated the obliteration of some earlier frescoes for Michelangelo's *The Last Judgment*?

The painting of *The Last Judgment* above the altar required the covering of two episodes from the *Lives* cycles (the Nativity of Jesus and the Finding of Moses), several papal portraits, and two sets of *Ancestors of Christ*.

What controversy arose regarding the depiction of figures in Michelangelo's *The Last Judgment*?

Michelangelo was accused of immorality and obscenity for depicting naked figures in *The Last Judgment*. Cardinal Carafa led a censorship campaign, known as the 'Fig-Leaf Campaign,' to have the frescoes removed.

How did Michelangelo respond to criticism of the nudity in *The Last Judgment*, and who was depicted as Minos?

In response to criticism, Michelangelo incorporated the likeness of Biagio da Cesena, the Pope's Master of Ceremonies who had criticized the nudity, into the fresco as Minos, the judge of the underworld. Da Cesena's jurisdiction, according to the Pope, did not extend to hell, so the portrait remained.

What happened to the genitalia depicted in *The Last Judgment* fresco?

The genitalia in the fresco were later covered by the artist Daniele da Volterra, who earned the nickname 'Il Braghettone' ('the breeches-painter') for his work.

When did the major restoration of the Sistine Chapel begin and end, and what was a primary concern during this process?

The restoration of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling began on November 7, 1984, and concluded with the chapel's re-opening to the public on April 8, 1994. A major concern was that the cleaning processes might be too severe and remove the artist's original intent.

What was the basis for the restorers' approach to cleaning the Sistine Chapel frescoes?

The restorers, after examining the *lunettes*, concluded that Michelangelo worked exclusively in *buon fresco* (painting on wet plaster) and did not add details *a secco* (on dry plaster). They assumed a universal approach to his technique and applied a universal approach to the restoration.

What was the outcome of the restorers' decision regarding the cleaning solvent for the frescoes?

Based on the assumption of Michelangelo's consistent technique, the restoration team's chemists selected a solvent designed to strip the ceiling down to the paint-impregnated plaster, leaving only what was painted in *buon fresco*.

What is the Sistine Chapel Choir known for, and what is its most famous piece?

The Sistine Chapel Choir has sung without instrumental accompaniment since the chapel's inception. The most famous piece associated with the choir is Gregorio Allegri's *Miserere*.

What is the significance of the smoke from the chimney during a papal conclave?

The smoke from a chimney installed on the chapel roof signals the progress of a papal conclave. White smoke indicates that a new Pope has been elected, while black smoke signifies that no candidate has yet received the necessary two-thirds majority vote.

When was the first papal conclave held in the Sistine Chapel?

The first papal conclave to take place in the Sistine Chapel was the conclave of 1492, which resulted in the election of Pope Alexander VI.

What changes were made to the cardinals' lodging and voting process during papal conclaves under John Paul II?

Since 1996, Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Constitution *Universi Dominici gregis* requires cardinals to be lodged at the Domus Sanctae Marthae during a conclave, but they continue to vote in the Sistine Chapel.

Why were the canopies used for cardinals during conclaves abolished?

The canopies, once a symbol of equal dignity for each cardinal-elector, were abolished by Pope Paul VI. This was due to the increased number of cardinals, requiring them to be seated in rows that made the canopies obstruct views.

What measures are taken to protect the Sistine Chapel's marble floor during a conclave?

To preserve the marble floor, carpenters install a slightly elevated wooden floor with a ramp for cardinals who may need wheelchair access. Electronic signal jamming equipment is also placed underneath this raised floor to maintain the secrecy of the conclave.

Who was the first solo instrumentalist to perform in the Sistine Chapel, and when?

Canadian violinist Rosemary Siemens was the first solo instrumentalist to perform at the Sistine Chapel on February 19, 2014, during an event called Spiritual Elevation.

Who was the first rock artist to perform a contemporary music concert in the Sistine Chapel?

The Edge, the guitarist from the band U2, became the first rock artist to stage a contemporary music concert at the chapel on April 29, 2016, as part of a conference on regenerative medicines.

What is notable about Cecilia Bartoli's performance in the Sistine Chapel in 2017?

In 2017, Cecilia Bartoli became the first woman to perform alongside the all-male Sistine Chapel Choir. She performed a piece by medieval composer Pérotin.

When did the first live-streamed concert take place in the Sistine Chapel?

The first live-streamed concert at the Sistine Chapel occurred on April 22, 2018, featuring a performance by the British choir group The Sixteen and the chamber orchestra ensemble Britten Sinfonia.

What is the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling?

The only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted by Gary Bevans at English Martyrs' Catholic Church in Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, England.

How did Giorgio Vasari describe Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel?

Giorgio Vasari described Michelangelo's work as 'a beacon of our art' that brought 'benefit and enlightenment' to painting, suggesting it was sufficient to illuminate a world that had been in darkness for centuries, providing all the perfection possible in such details.

Why were musical instruments not permitted in the Sistine Chapel historically?

Musical instruments were not permitted to be played inside the chapel, which presented a challenge for the Sistine Chapel Choir in establishing a starting pitch for their performances.

What is the significance of the *Life of Moses* and *Life of Christ* fresco cycles?

These two fresco cycles, painted by artists like Botticelli and Perugino, were commissioned in 1480 by Pope Sixtus IV. They were intended to complement each other and depict key narratives from the Old and New Testaments.

What is the role of the *transenna* in the Sistine Chapel's interior?

The marble *transenna*, created by Mino da Fiesole, Andrea Bregno, and Giovanni Dalmata, divides the chapel into two parts, historically separating the clergy near the altar from the laity in the main body of the chapel.

What are the *lunettes* in the Sistine Chapel, and who painted them?

The *lunettes* are areas above the windows in the Sistine Chapel that contain frescoes of the *Ancestors of Christ*. These were painted by Michelangelo as part of his commission for the ceiling.

What is the significance of Raphael's tapestries in the Sistine Chapel?

Raphael designed ten tapestries depicting events from the *Life of St. Peter* and the *Life of St. Paul* to hang around the lower tier of the walls. Although the original tapestries were looted and scattered after the Sack of Rome in 1527, sets made later continue to be used for important ceremonies.

What is the 'Fig-Leaf Campaign' mentioned in relation to *The Last Judgment*?

The 'Fig-Leaf Campaign' was a censorship effort, led by Cardinal Carafa and Monsignor Sernini, aimed at removing the frescoes of *The Last Judgment* due to the depiction of naked figures. This campaign led to the artist Daniele da Volterra covering the genitalia in the fresco.

Sistine Chapel Wiki: The Sistine Chapel: Echoes of Creation and Judgment

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A Monument Through Time

Origins and Construction

Originally known as the Cappella Magna ('Great Chapel'), the Sistine Chapel derives its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned its construction between 1473 and 1481. Built on the site of the older Cappella Maggiore, which had fallen into disrepair, the current structure was designed by Baccio Pontelli and built under the supervision of Giovannino de Dolci. Its proportions are considered significant within Renaissance architectural principles.

Consecration and Early Decoration

The chapel was consecrated on August 15, 1483, coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Its initial decoration featured frescoes by prominent Renaissance artists like Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio, and Rosselli, depicting scenes from the lives of Moses and Christ, complemented by papal portraits.

Papal Functions

Serving as the chapel of the Papal Chapel (Cappella Pontificia), it was historically the venue for significant papal ceremonies and gatherings of the Papal Court. Today, it remains the site of the papal conclave, the process for electing a new pope.

The Seat of Papal Elections

The Conclave Process

The Sistine Chapel is famously the venue for the papal conclave, where the College of Cardinals elects a new pope. A chimney installed in the roof signals the outcome: white smoke indicates a successful election, while black smoke signifies that no candidate has yet secured the required two-thirds majority.

Secrecy and Security

To ensure the secrecy of the conclave, electronic signal jamming equipment is installed beneath a temporary raised floor. Cardinals are lodged in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, but they convene in the Sistine Chapel for the voting process, maintaining a tradition dating back centuries.

Historical Significance

The first conclave held in the Sistine Chapel was in 1492, electing Pope Alexander VI. This tradition underscores the chapel's central role in the continuity of the papacy and the Catholic Church.

Architectural Dimensions

Proportions and Design

The chapel measures approximately 40.9 meters (134 ft) long and 13.4 meters (44 ft) wide, with a ceiling height of about 20.7 meters (68 ft). Its dimensions are thought to reflect Renaissance architectural ideals, possibly based on the Golden Ratio. The exterior is notably unadorned, a common feature of medieval and Renaissance churches, with large buttresses added to support the structure.

Interior Features

The interior boasts a shallow cross vault ceiling, originally painted blue with gold stars. The pavement is decorated in opus alexandrinum, a mosaic style using marble and colored stones. A marble screen, or transenna, divides the chapel into two sections, separating the sanctuary area from the main congregation space.

UNESCO World Heritage

The Sistine Chapel is an integral part of Vatican City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cultural and artistic significance is recognized globally, contributing to the site's criteria of artistic achievement and historical testimony.

A Symphony of Frescoes

Early Masterpieces (1481-1482)

The initial phase of decoration involved frescoes on the side walls, depicting parallel cycles: the Life of Moses (southern wall) and the Life of Christ (northern wall). Artists like Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Rosselli contributed significantly to these narrative scenes, establishing the chapel's artistic foundation.

Gallery of Popes

Above the narrative scenes, the upper tier features a Gallery of Popes, painted concurrently with the main cycles. These portraits reinforce the lineage and authority of the papacy, integral to the chapel's function.

Raphael's Tapestries

Commissioned by Pope Leo X, Raphael designed ten large tapestries between 1515 and 1520 to hang on the lower walls. These depict scenes from the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul. Although the original cartoons are preserved in London, the tapestries themselves are used on special occasions.

Narratives on the Walls

Southern Wall: Life of Moses

This wall features scenes such as Moses Leaving for Egypt (Perugino), The Trials of Moses (Botticelli), The Crossing of the Red Sea (Rosselli/Ghirlandaio/Tucci), Descent from Mount Sinai (Rosselli/Piero di Cosimo), Punishment of the Rebels (Botticelli), and Testament and Death of Moses (Signorelli/della Gatta).

Northern Wall: Life of Christ

Complementing the Moses cycle, this wall includes The Baptism of Christ (Perugino), Temptations of Christ (Botticelli), Vocation of the Apostles (Ghirlandaio), Sermon on the Mount (Rosselli), Delivery of the Keys (Perugino), and The Last Supper (Rosselli).

Eastern Wall: Later Additions

The eastern wall, above the altar, originally featured scenes now largely obscured by Michelangelo's The Last Judgment. It currently displays Resurrection of Christ (Hendrick van den Broeck) and Disputation over Moses' Body (Matteo da Lecce).

Michelangelo's Genius

The Ceiling (1508-1512)

Commissioned by Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted the vast ceiling, transforming it into one of humanity's greatest artistic achievements. Despite initial reluctance, he created a complex scheme featuring nine scenes from Genesis, prophets, sibyls, and the ancestors of Christ, covering over 5,000 square feet with more than 300 figures.

The Last Judgment (1535-1541)

Later, Michelangelo returned to paint the monumental fresco, The Last Judgment, on the altar wall under Pope Paul III. This powerful depiction of Christ's second coming, with its dynamic composition and dramatic portrayal of salvation and damnation, replaced earlier works and significantly altered the chapel's visual narrative.

Artistic Process and Controversy

Michelangelo's innovative techniques and the sheer scale of his work were groundbreaking. The nudity in The Last Judgment sparked controversy, leading to later censorship (the "Fig-Leaf Campaign") and the addition of drapery by Daniele da Volterra. Michelangelo famously depicted his critic, Biagio da Cesena, as Minos in the fresco.

Preserving the Masterpieces

The Great Restoration

A major restoration project, beginning in 1984 and concluding in 1994, meticulously cleaned the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment. This extensive work removed centuries of accumulated grime, smoke, and overpainting, revealing the vibrant colors and details intended by Michelangelo.

Debates and Discoveries

The restoration process generated considerable debate regarding the techniques used and the extent of cleaning. While revealing the brilliance of the original frescoes, some critics feared the methods were too aggressive. However, the project provided invaluable insights into Michelangelo's techniques, primarily buon fresco.

Revealing Original Intent

The cleaning uncovered details previously hidden, such as the bright colors in the Ancestors of Christ in the lunettes, and clarified the original composition and palette. The restoration ultimately aimed to present the frescoes as close as possible to their original state.

Recreating the Sacred Space

UK Reproduction

A notable full-size reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling exists at English Martyrs' Catholic Church in Goring-by-Sea, England, painted by Gary Bevans.

Mexican Replica

The Mexican government commissioned a full-scale architectural and photographic replica of the chapel, utilizing millions of high-definition photographs. This replica, displayed in Mexico City, offered visitors an immersive experience with light-and-sound demonstrations explaining the frescoes.

Harmonies of the Chapel

The Sistine Chapel Choir

The chapel is renowned for its choir, which traditionally performs without instrumental accompaniment. Music is often initiated by the lead singer choosing the starting pitch, a practice dating back to a 1630 visitation.

Historic Performances

In a break from tradition, violinist Rosemary Siemens became the first solo instrumentalist to perform in the chapel in 2014. Later, U2 guitarist The Edge performed in 2016, marking the first contemporary rock concert. Cecilia Bartoli also made history as the first woman to perform with the choir in 2017.

Words of Awe

Goethe's Impression

Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving.

— Johann Wolfgang Goethe

Vasari's Praise

This work has been and truly is a beacon of our art, and it has brought such benefit and enlightenment to the art of painting that it was sufficient to illuminate a world which for so many hundreds of years had remained in the state of darkness.

— Giorgio Vasari

Connections and Context

Related Sites

Explore the Vatican City portal and learn about other significant religious sites like St. Peter's Basilica and St. John Lateran.

Artistic Depictions

The chapel's creation and Michelangelo's work have inspired numerous works, including the film The Agony and the Ecstasy.

Artistic Patronage

Understand the context of papal art patronage, particularly the significant role of Pope Julius II in commissioning the ceiling frescoes.

Sources

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References

Stevens, Abel & Floy, James. "Allegri's Miserere". The National Magazine, Carlton & Phillip, 1854. 531.

Cheney, Iris. Review of "Raphael's Cartoons in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen and the Tapestries for the Sistine Chapel" by John Shearman. The Art Bulletin, Volume 56, No. 4, December 1974. 607â609.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Sistine Chapel Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional art historical or architectural advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified experts for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Sistine Chapel

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Monument Through Time ⏳

🏛️ Origins and Construction

⛪ Consecration and Early Decoration

👑 Papal Functions

The Seat of Papal Elections 🗳️

🔥 The Conclave Process

🔒 Secrecy and Security

📜 Historical Significance

Architectural Dimensions 📐

📏 Proportions and Design

✨ Interior Features

🌍 UNESCO World Heritage

A Symphony of Frescoes 🎨

📜 Early Masterpieces (1481-1482)

👑 Gallery of Popes

🖼️ Raphael's Tapestries

Narratives on the Walls 📖

⬅️ Southern Wall: Life of Moses

➡️ Northern Wall: Life of Christ

⬆️ Eastern Wall: Later Additions

Michelangelo's Genius 🌟

☁️ The Ceiling (1508-1512)

⚖️ The Last Judgment (1535-1541)

🤔 Artistic Process and Controversy

Preserving the Masterpieces 🔬

✨ The Great Restoration

🗣️ Debates and Discoveries

👀 Revealing Original Intent

Recreating the Sacred Space 🌍

🇬🇧 UK Reproduction

🇲🇽 Mexican Replica

Harmonies of the Chapel 🎶

🎤 The Sistine Chapel Choir

🎻 Historic Performances

Words of Awe 💬

✍️ Goethe's Impression

📜 Vasari's Praise

Connections and Context 🔗

🏛️ Related Sites

🎬 Artistic Depictions

🖼️ Artistic Patronage

Sources 📚

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Monument Through Time

Origins and Construction

Consecration and Early Decoration

Papal Functions

The Seat of Papal Elections

The Conclave Process

Secrecy and Security

Historical Significance

Architectural Dimensions

Proportions and Design

Interior Features

UNESCO World Heritage

A Symphony of Frescoes

Early Masterpieces (1481-1482)

Gallery of Popes

Raphael's Tapestries

Narratives on the Walls

Southern Wall: Life of Moses

Northern Wall: Life of Christ

Eastern Wall: Later Additions

Michelangelo's Genius

The Ceiling (1508-1512)

The Last Judgment (1535-1541)

Artistic Process and Controversy

Preserving the Masterpieces

The Great Restoration

Debates and Discoveries

Revealing Original Intent

Recreating the Sacred Space

UK Reproduction

Mexican Replica

Harmonies of the Chapel

The Sistine Chapel Choir

Historic Performances

Words of Awe

Goethe's Impression

Vasari's Praise

Connections and Context

Related Sites

Artistic Depictions

Artistic Patronage

Sources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice