One of the best-known chapels in the Apostolic Palace where the pope resides is the Sistine Chapel
. Numerous artists had worked on its creation throughout history. The artwork of Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael and Boticelli are displayed in the Chapel. The work of Michelangelo is the most well-known which also depicts that he was not only a painter but also a sculptor.
The Sistine Chapel was constructed in the 15th century by Giovanni de Dolci under the order of Pope Sixtux IV on whom the chapel was named. Baccio Pontelli designed the chapel and the internal measurements were built according to the Temple of Solomon. Well-known artists of that time like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Signorelli and Pinturicchio painted the walls.
The chapel is divided into two by a screen of marble. This fence-like division was made by Andrea Bregno along with Mino da Fiesole and Giovanni Dalmata. Besides this, Andrea Bregno also designed the pulpit on the right of chancel.
Michelangelo was primarily credited with the artwork on the ceiling of the Chapel. His major field of work was sculptor but he was skillfully compelled by Pope Julius to work on the ceiling of the chapel. Pope Julius also promised him with a reward of a very productive commission for a later project.
Michelangelo was not a painter by profession but he possessed skills for sketching his sculptures before chipping away the stone. He needed to quickly learn the techniques of wall painting. Although he was slowed down in the beginning but later he had learned the basics and found his rhythm. He worked like a man on fire in order to finish a panel or a scene without taking rest or eating for a long time. Eventually, he successfully finished the commission in four years from July 1508 to October 1512. However this was not the end for him.
Nearly after 22 years when he had completed the paintings on the ceilings of Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo returned to paint the panel called the Last Judgment which depicted the political changes that were happening in Rome at that time.
The Sistine Chapel was regarded as a national treasure instantly after its completion. Because of its status, the chapel has been preserved for the future generations to come.