This Day in History:
Sistine Chapel Ceiling Opens to Public.
November 1, 1512.
The breathtaking series of ceiling
frescoes where painted by
Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti
over the span of four years.
They are widely considered his
most memorable work, as well
as some of the greatest paintings
of the Western world.
Located in the papal chapel
within the Vatican Palace, Michelangelo's
work in the Sistine Chapel was
commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508. .
The frescoes depict scenes from
the Old Testament, the most famous
of which is 'The Creation of Adam.'.
Michelangelo painted much of
the Sistine Chapel lying on his back atop
of a series of scaffolding. The accomplishment
took a great physical toll on the artist.
In addition to being a popular tourist
destination, the Sistine Chapel is used
by the Sacred College of Cardinals to
conduct the election of the new pope