Michelangelo

Such other works include Giotto's painting on the wall of the Camposanto in Pisa, Giovanni Pisano's sculpture on the pulpit of the San Andrea in Pistoia, and Fra Angelica's and Signorelli's frescoes in Orvieto. Finally, there is the reverse side of a medallion his old teacher Bertoldo had made for Archbishop Filipo de' Medici. (Brandes 385) Michelangelo began the giant painting sometime during April and May of 1536. He worked rigorously on the project until he fell from the scaffolding a few months prior to the completion of the painting and seriously hurt his leg. Following his recovery, Michelangelo returned to work on "The Last Judgment." It was completed in October of 1541 and unveiled on Christmas Day two months later. (Symonds 328) .
             Many were appalled to see the great amount of nudity which filled the painting. They did not feel that it was appropriate for such holy people to be depicted without clothes on. Michelangelo felt that it was the body which ascends to Heaven, not the clothes. .
             Unfortunately, Michelangelo's masterpiece only remained intact for fourteen years, at which point artists were commissioned to paint clothes on the "most beautiful nudes." (Brandes 392-394) The central figure of "The Last Judgment" is of course, Christ. However, the Christ which appears in Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment," is not the typical loving, and sympathetic Christ depicted throughout the Renaissance. The fresco is dominated by Christ "as the medieval judge of the world--a giant whose might right arm is lifted in a gesture of damnation so broad and universal as to suggest he will destroy all creation, Heaven and earth alike." (Croix, Tansey, and Kirkpatrick 665) Michelangelo followed the tradition of others in having Christ at the top, with his hand raised, brighter than the rest of the angels and demons. Christ seems to have a harsh and cold expression which furthers Michelangelo's depiction of Christ as the Judge.