The Ancestors of Christ: Azor, Sadoch 1512

Michelangelo painted "The Ancestors of Christ: Azor, Sadoch," using the fresco technique in the Sistine Chapel. Fresco is painting on fresh, wet lime plaster with pigments ground in water, so that the painting becomes integral to the wall. Michelangelo was a master not only of the fine arts but also of craft, using his extensive knowledge of materials to create a surface with great luminosity. Notice how the damp plaster has absorbed the colors, creating soft gradations of tone. The pigments have a matte finish, allowing the artist to build up layers of detail without glare. The process of applying each layer of plaster, and then rapidly painting it, required speed, skill, and physical stamina. Michelangelo’s deep understanding of this demanding medium, along with his mastery of the human form, allowed him to create figures of sculptural weight and grace. The longevity of the work is a testament to Michelangelo’s technical brilliance. It challenges distinctions between art, craft, labor, and enduring cultural significance.