12 Remarkable Paintings By Michelangelo That Also Represent the Sistine Ceiling

Who was Michelangelo?

A painter, a sculptor, a poet, or an architect?

I must say all of the above!

Michelangelo was none other than one of the prolific artists of the Italian Renaissance. 

He was a polymath genius whose works were filled with emotional authenticity.

His psychological intensity had never been witnessed before by his generation.

Michelangelo’s paintings are notable for showcasing the human body.

Along with creating well-known sculptures, the famous painter Michelangelo also produced countless artworks and was counted among the famous Italian artists.

In order to add a vibrant look to his paintings, Michelangelo would use the buon fresco technique, in which an artist paints quickly on the wet plaster before it dries up.

His contributions and influence in the development of Western art were profound, shaping the high Renaissance art of Michelangelo.

Now that you know a little bit about him, let’s look at some of his most famous paintings.

These paintings by Michelangelo also represent the Sistine Ceiling, which will leave you in awe. 

Let’s study the history of Michelangelo’s work of art!

1. The Torment of Saint Anthony (1487-1488)

Michelangelo was just 13 years old when he painted The Torment of Saint Anthony.

At the time, the young Michelangelo was developing new techniques and building his name in the world of art.

His painting’s theme derived from “The Temptation of Saint Anthony” by Martin Shnongaur. 

In this painting by Michelangelo, you can see certain adjustments to the devil’s scenery and portrait.

He gave the demons’ fur a rough texture to give them an animal-like appearance.

The idea of giving the fish a devilish structure and appearance developed when he saw them in the market.

This led to the incredible growth of Michelangelo’s art.

The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, currently houses this amazing work by Michelangelo.

2. Dono Tondi (1506-1507)

A few years after finishing his two most well-known works, Pieta and David, Michelangelo produced Dono Tondi as his next masterpiece.

Its round form is symbolic of perfection in the first place.

Its pyramidal structure represents the stability of the Holy Trinity.

The Mannerism movement draws inspiration from people’s exaggerated poses.

The famous paintings by Michelangelo have been in the Uffizi Gallery since 1635 and are the only works by the master on display in Florence.

3. The Creation Of Adam (1508-1512)

As we talk about paintings by Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam has to be at the top!

This commissioned artwork by Pope Julius II covers the entire ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

Michelangelo, as an artist, was inspired by biblical scenes from the Book of Genesis, which was undoubtedly the most important of the series. 

It depicts a god giving life to the first man by almost touching Adam’s index finger.

Being the most sacred western art, it symbolizes humanity.

The estimated price could be millions of dollars for this particular painting, but placed in the Sistine Chapel, this painting counts as priceless.

4. The Last Judgement (1536-1541)

Michelangelo’s mural painting is widely regarded as the most beloved work of Western art.

The painting by Michelangelo hangs above the altar in the Sistine Chapel.

It is a commissioned work by Pope Clement VII.

The painting was finished when Michelangelo was 67.

The thought behind the painting was to showcase the second coming of Christ as well as God’s final judgments.

There are numerous artworks of Jesus that have had an impact on the art of history.

It seems incredible that one building is gifted with so many Michelangelo famous works of art that are each priceless in their own way.

The estimated worth of this lovely painting is 450 million dollars.

(Also Read: 10 Famous Angel Paintings)

5. The Crucifixion of St. Peter (1546-1550)

This was the last painting by Michelangelo, four years before his death.

This Michelangelo painting was commissioned by Pope Paul VI in 1541 after the work in the Sistine Chapel.

The painting can be found in the Vatican Palace’s Cappella Paolina, along with other works by Michelangelo.

Because of its disturbing depiction, the crucifixion of St. Peter has drawn criticism from historical figures. 

In this artwork by Michelangelo, figures are painted in such a way that the people sitting on the ground could see them in proper proportion when they looked up.

Michelangelo used a similar technique in his Moses statue.

This famous painting by Michelangelo is worth more than a million dollars in today’s money.

6. Conversion of Saul (1542-1545)

This fresco painting, which is housed in Vatican City, is more mannerist in style than any other paintings by Michelangelo.

It depicts the biblical story of Saul of Tarsus’ transformation into Paul the Apostle.

Michelangelo evidently displayed his style and technique by exhibiting his high sense of power.

This famous painting of Michelangelo depicts a graceful line running from the top left, with a god figure surrounded by a swarm of angels.

With no amount disclosed, the painting was commissioned by Tiberio Cerasi.

7. Creation of Eve (1510)

In the second chapter of Genesis, the birth of Eve is illustrated in order to give company to Adam.

They were later expelled from the Garden of Eden for disobeying God’s wishes.

Being one of the most famous Renaissance artists, Michelangelo left his mark on the artworks he produced.

There are numerous interpretations about the Fall of Mankind that took place because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve.

The idea of how old this painting is and its theme remain exceptional and powerful.

All the artwork by Michelangelo is worth more than a million dollars, but this work, housed in the Sistine Chapel, adds a priceless value to it.

8. The Fall of Man (1512)

The paintings by Michelangelo depict Adam and Eve’s temptation and punishment.

The following is the story of Michelangelo’s artwork: God places Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where they are free to do whatever they want except eat the fruits that are present in the garden. 

Satan disguised himself as a snake and tempted them into eating fruits.

As a punishment, Adam and Eve were no longer allowed to stay in the Garden of Eden and were outcast by the angels.

This commissioned artwork by Pope Julius II creates a modest portion of the church with the freedom to paint whatever he wishes for.

The Sistine Chapel hasn’t disclosed the value of Michelangelo’s painting, which has been housed for years now alongside his other works. 

9. The Battle of Cascina (1504)

The Battle of Cascina occurred on July 28, 1364. 

Two of the most influential and famous painters, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, were commissioned to paint a fresco that depicts the battle of Cascina.

The painting was considered a competition between the two greatest artists during the Renaissance era.

Unfortunately, both failed to develop the Battle of Cascina.

In his early days, Michelangelo was fascinated with the naked form of the male figure that created gay erotic art.

The painting is housed in Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, with no definite price mentioned.

(You can also read: History and Influence of Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci)

10. Creation of the Sun, Moon and Plants (1511)

The painting depicts two sides of creation, one on the right highlighting the creation of the sun and moon, and one on the left highlighting the creation of flowers.

Michelangelo’s work depicts a god flying around with his commands raised in celestial bodies, evoking intense emotion. 

Michelangelo’s art piece illustrates the winds in the robes, the action through God’s arms, and a sense of purpose that follows. 

This religious painting by Michelangelo is based on the biblical creation of the universe from Genesis.

Portrayed in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, this artwork does not need a price tag.

11. Drunkenness of Noah (1509)

This artwork depicts an episode from Saint Augustine’s life, which is being interpreted as a foreshadowing of Christ’s mocking.

The Sistine Chapel owes much fame to the legendary paintings by Michelangelo.

It depicts the elder son, who’s covering his naked father after being ridiculed by his other two sons. 

Michelangelo tries to depict the painting where Noah got drunk on his own wine, fell asleep naked, and was mocked by his two sons.

After becoming conscious, Noah cursed his younger sons as they made fun of their father during his vulnerability.

This paintings by Michelangelo is on display in the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology, France, from the priceless Chapel collection.

12. Separation of Light from Darkness (1512)

The last Michelangelo piece of art, a fresco, is a sublime concept that interprets “Let There Be Light.”

According to God, dividing the light from the darkness results in creation and manifestation.

This famous works by Michelangelo has an abstract look, unsophisticated characteristics, and an intentionally deceptive drawing.

With their grand idea and ethereal appearance, the swirling black and white clouds represent the cosmic forces at work in the painting.

The painting is an illustration of what perfection looks like through Michelangelo arts.

Being Michelangelo’s final famous piece of art, housed in the Sistine Chapel, it already bears the “priceless” label, which is incredible.

To Conclude

In the year from 1508 to 1512, Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to do the frescoes on the ceiling, which are collectively known as the Sistine Ceiling.

Do you know how many paintings Michelangelo created over the course of his life?

The number of famous paintings by Michelangelo that he produced in his entire lifespan is 182.

Michelangelo, as a painter, charged the Sistine Chapel 3200 florins, which is two thousand dollars per painting.

It’s huge for the period to which he belongs!

(Also Read: Paintings By Caravaggio That Portrayed His Mastery In Chiaroscuro)

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