Last Judgement by Michelangelo- Issues around the artwork that make it controversial and interesting - Research Paper Example

The painting is clearly inspired by the bible with Jesus Christ being the central figure of the painting and the rest art form revolving around him (Andrew, 2008). The painting was a centre figure in a controversy which in turn enriched the history attached with this fresco. Controversy Great controversy has revolved around “the last judgment” since the day it was conceived to the present era which has increased the value of the art, which can be dubbed as a controversial depiction of saints, religious figures and the religion itself.

Who knew, Michelangelo had a sense of humor not many could comprehend. This art piece was threatened by many critics who bared the flag of the Catholic Reformation and those who understood art to its very core. Michelangelo; due to this masterpiece, was blamed for bringing nudity and religion together which was a breach of decorum in the artistic world, especially those related directly or indirectly to the Vatican. The “Council of Trent” issued notices blaming Michelangelo for public nudity and disgrace to sacred figures; especially in such sacred place and that this art form should be destroyed or hidden.

The pope’s Master of ceremonies, Biagio da Cesena termed it as a piece that should be depicted in taverns and public bathrooms, such was the criticism found in the ranks of the Vatican. Michelangelo painted “Cesena” as a nude figure depicting his illogical thoughts by donkey ears and a snake wrapped nude body as revenge. Although, Cesena lodged his reservations with the pope, the pope insisted in upholding the art as his authority did not lead into the after-life (Domenichi, 1556). As the “Council of Trent” had passed its judgment and recommendations regarding the objectionable points in the “the last judgment”, it was ordered to cover any nudity or profanity in the painting.

This order was executed after the death of Michelangelo in 1564. Some art critics accuse of Michelangelo depicting himself as St. Bartholomew, over the row with the authorities on receiving the permission to paint the chapel’s wall after a huge gap in its designing, almost 20 years. His open questions to the theory of life and life-after-death did not please the close knit Vatican fraternity, calling for his head for such an artistic depiction (John, 1994). Restoration The most interesting fact about the artwork is the detail of work that has been done on it, after the demise of Michelangelo.

Acting on the recommendations of the “Council of Trent”, the genitals depicted in the painting were covered by fig leafs. During the 14 years, in between 1980 and 1194, major restoration was carried out under the supervision of Frabrizio Mancinelli. Many facts that were unknown for centuries were discovered after the restoration. The most dominant discovery was of the female that is depicted to be condemned to hell. For many decades it was imagined to be a male figure, which changed after the removal of the fig-leaf showing clearly that it was a female figure (Hurst et all, 1994).

The painting is also known to be the first depiction of Christ as the centre of the universe like the sun is for the planets. Not only the technical details of the masterpiece has attracted people towards it but also the controversial history surrounding the shift in cosmology that Michelangelo depic