Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Ceiling Without question the most recognized work of the Renaissance is Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Named for Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (1471-1484), the chapel is simple in shape. Its measurements repeat those given in the Bible for the temple of Solomon. But, despite the Sistine Chapel's structural simplicity, its ceiling is one of the pinnacle achievements in art history. After more than four years, Michelangelo completed his masterpiece ceiling in October of 1512. …showed first 75 words of 628 total…

…showed last 75 words of 628 total…have survived only through his drawings, which used vigorous cross-hatching. Great collections of his drawings are in the Louvre and Uffizi The best known paintings from Michelangelo’s creations are on the ceilings of the chapel. Below these are his figures of the prophets and sibyls, all prefiguring the salvation of Christianity. The chapel also has a notable collection of illuminated music manuscripts. Cleaning and restoration of the frescoes began in 1980 and was completed in 1994.