Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Art

Advisor(s)

Kimberly Dennis

Second Advisor

Robert Vander Poppen

Abstract

This thesis asserts that Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam contains an unrecognized interpretation of the Archangel Saint Michael, thereby enriching Leo Steinberg's foundational analysis of the fresco's theological intricacies. Building on Steinberg's identification of the "glider" figure as a possible visual allusion to Michael, this study contends that Michelangelo intentionally integrated the archangel to symbolize themes of divine protection, judgment, and cosmic justice. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the thesis draws from a range of biblical and apocryphal texts, including Revelation and The Assumptions of Moses, to illustrate that Saint Michael's traditional roles, as the protector of paradise, defender of the faithful, and adversary of Satan, are visually encoded within the fresco. Additionally, the argument is supported by a comparative iconographic analysis of contemporary and earlier representations of Saint Michael, revealing that Michelangelo adapted recognizable visual motifs, such as youthfulness, curled golden hair, and a martial stance, to characterize the glider figure. The thesis further delves into Michelangelo's evolving spiritual perspective through a theological examination of The Last Judgment, illustrating how the artist's depiction of Michael transitions from that of a guardian to a judge. This shift reflects a broader personal and cultural contemplation of mortality and salvation. By identifying the "glider" as Saint Michael, this study reframes The Creation of Adam as a narrative encompassing both divine creation and visual theology, addressing humanity's fall and redemption. In doing so, it adds a new dimension to our comprehension of Michelangelo's spiritual vision and the overarching narrative of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling.

Comments

Outside department committee members: Hannah Ewing and Todd French

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