Stories Of ArtНамуна

The Creation of Adam (1508-1512) is part of the ceiling fresco of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. While the biblical story states that Adam comes alive through God's breath Michelangelo transfers this on his painting into a divine touch. To transfer this divine spark God goes the whole way. He is reaching far out of heaven and has to be held by His angels, who are shown in different positions. If we compare Adam and God it's obvious that they are portrayed in quite different positions. Adam is lying on the grass and God is floating towards him. The main focus in this painting is on the index fingers of God and Adam. Are they going to touch? God has done everything to make this contact happen, He is reaching for Adam with His whole body, so far that He is stretching out His index finger. But does Adam want this contact to happen? Adam's eyes are open and in his position he only has to lift his index finger to touch God. His position doesn't seem like he is unable to move. Does this Adam want to experience closeness with God? 

When God created man He went to the full. A man can only become human when he receives something divine like the breath in the story or the contact in the painting. Mankind receives a special quality from this which they will use later as well: freedom.