Film 3: Michelangelo / Marlow

Timothy Marlow is an art historian, best known for his regular channel 5 feature. He has written many books on the subject of art and culture and is most widely known in Britain.

My favorite piece of work done by Michelangelo is the part of the Sistine Chapel called "The Fall From Grace," a depiction of Adam and Eve disobeying God. The first thing I notice about this piece is how the snake wrapped around the tree turned into a person. In the book of Genesis, it is a snake that convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. The second thing I noticed the blue background. I can't decide if its sky or water. Thirdly, I notice is the obvious nudity, something that in today's time would be censored, regardless of the fact that it is a necessary part of the bible story.

I believe that Timothy Marlow decided to include the significant locations because while Michelangelo produced these masterpieces he travelled back and forth between Florence and Rome. By doing this, Marlow created a sense of authenticity.

Discussion Question:
Do you feel that Michelangelo's religious beliefs affect his art? If so, was it negative or positive?