Michelangelo Buonarroti's Creation of Adam

This portrait called Creation of Adam was created by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1511-1512 in Rome, Italy. It shows the confrontation of God and Adam in primordial unformed landscape of which Adam was a material part. Lord wrapped in cloud of drapery and borne up by his powers, overshadowing the earth. The mighty hand of Lord sparks life into Adam through his extended hand. Classical myth, communication between god and heroes, is noticeable. The Olympian sense of God as a ruler of Heaven indicates High Renaissance thoughts combined with classical and christian traditions. There are two beliefs about the woman beneath the Lord's left arm. It was initially thought to be Eve, but now it is thought to be Virgin Mary with Christ child at her knee. If it is believed to be Virgin Mary, it suggests Michelangelo incorporated one of the essential tenets of Christian faith. The belief of Adam's original sin eventually led to sacrifice of Christ, which in turn made possible the redemption of all humankind. The focal point of the painting is where the fingertips of Adam and God is located. Everyone is looking toward the fingertips of Adam and God which makes the audience concentrate on the focal point. Also Adam's left hand's fingertip is horizontal to the Christ child.