agony and the ectasy
Sunny Friedman Professor Bearor ARH 2000 11/09/03 The agony and the ecstasy This film is a Hollywood depiction of the agony and the ecstasy it took for Michelangelo to create the masterpiece that rests on the ceiling of Rome’s Sistine Chapel. The traumatic impact the Pope Julius had on Michelangelo throughout the film is illustrated visually through his less than unstable emotional state that has constructed his character. Initially, Pope Julius had commissioned Michelangelo to create a tomb for his burial. When the plans were changed, reluctant Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling of Sistine chapel by Pope Julius . It was to serve the purpose of bringing the prayers closer to the heavens during mass. Michelangelo’s character was indeed shaped by the influence of Pope Julius since the controversy of his assignment had overpowered all other aspects in his life.