The Creation of Adam is a fresco by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, which he painted for Pope Julius II. It shows God, carried by angels, reaching out to touch the hand of the first man, Adam, who lies on the ground in a languid pose. The small gap between their fingers has made the image an icon of Western art, often copied and parodied. It is one of nine scenes from the Book of Genesis that run down the center of the ceiling, which Michelangelo painted over several years. The work shows his mastery of the human body and has inspired countless interpretations.
Before and after
- 30 November 1508Birth of Andrea Palladio
- 10 July 1509Birth of John Calvin
- 17 May 1510Death of Sandro Botticelli
- from 1511 to 1920Khanate of Khiva
- 1511The Creation of Adam
- 30 July 1511Birth of Giorgio Vasari
- 1512The School of Athens
- 22 February 1512Death of Amerigo Vespucci
- 1513Construction of Palazzo della Cancelleria
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The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 16th century.