HU250 – section number
A visit to the Sistine Chapel is possible in real life, but you could also visit the Chapel via the Internet. The virtual visit will give you an overview of the Chapel as if you were actually there. The virtual visit does give one the motivation to want to see it in real life. The virtual visit gives an exposure to the Sistine Chapel (especially the area where the Papal Conclave is held), the ceiling that is set above the Chapel, and the frescoes along the walls.
The Sistine Chapel is where the Papal Conclave is held. For the sake of history, I decided to start with this area. The reason for this is that it is wonderful to be in the place where the next Pope is chosen. This is the place from where the smoke is sent into the sky to announce the new Pope (the white smoke) or if they have not decided (the black smoke is sent up). This is often broadcast on television.
It is quite an experience to know that this is actually, where the group of cardinals gathers to make the decision. This is where they are locked up until they come to a decision (The Sistine Chapel 3D Virtual Tour n.d.). I decided to deliberately keep my focus on the ground level so that I could take in as much as I could. The flooring is beautifully designed mosaic, and the sound it creates when stepping on it, is as beautiful to the ears. However, for the time of the Papal Conclave, they place carpeting over it to curb the sound. The acoustics, I can imagine would be as beautiful especially if one listens to the sound track being played, and the steps of the narrator. Toward the back, in the center, is an altar that has six candle sticks, with the crucifix in the center. This cross is believed to be sculptured by Michelangelo as well. Along the lower walls are a number of false drapes.
It is difficult no tot look at the incredible works of art around the Chapel as you walk in. The great ceiling, painted by Michelangelo is not given justice on the virtual tour. It is again a motivation to want to see to in real life. Harris et al (n.d.) spoke of the beautiful colors that were revealed after the Chapel was cleaned. The virtual tour gave the frescoes as flat images, but Harris et al revealed that the late afternoon son can give it incredible three-dimensionality. Even so, the virtual tour gives one the possibility of access to the Chapel where one can see the work in its context.
The story the ceiling tells is from the first books of the Bible. Michelangelo created the scenes to vividly explain the stories. It creates the suspense for people to want to look, and to see Michelangelo’s genius at work. This was done even after the artist was reluctant to do so. He saw himself as a sculptor, and not a painter (Cohen 2012). Intertwined between the works are architectural elements that seems as if it was built, but the artist painted these in sculptural form. These paintings, as well as the frescoes along the walls, are examples of excellent works of art that can only leave the viewer inspired. The Northern wall covers the life of Christ – his baptism, his temptation, the Sermon on the Mount, the delivery of the keys, and finally the Last Supper. The Southern wall depicts the story of Moses in the middle section, and the pontiffs in the top row. The resurrection of Christ is depicted on the Eastern wall. The altar wall depicts the Last Judgment.
One of the most significant reasons to visit the Sistine Chapel is to see Michelangelo’s artwork. This can be done through the virtual visit, but it would be much more significant in real life. It is not only the artwork that is of significant value but also the fact that the Pope is elected in the Chapel specifically, which is a valuable historical event. The virtual tour allows one to see the inside, and experience some of the atmosphere, but it would certainly be another level of experience to visit the Sistine Chapel in real life. The history if the Chapel carries with it the Papal Conclave, eh architecture, and the depiction of the incredible artwork of Michelangelo.
References
Cohen, J. (2012). 7 Things You May Not Know About the Sistine Chapel.
Retrieved March 14, 2016, from http://www.history.com/news/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-sistine-chapel
Harris, Beth and Steven Zucker (n.d). Michelangelo, Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (including the
Creation of Adam) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/high-ren-florence-rome/michelangelo/v/michelangelo-ceiling-of-the-sistine-chapel-1508-12
The Sistine Chapel 3D Virtual Tour - Online virtual visit from your home. (n.d.). Retrieved
March 14, 2016, from http://vatican.com/tour/sistine_chapel_3D/web
