1.1 Michelangelo's Creation of Adam

Who painted the "Creation of Adam" and where is it located?

Michelangelo painted "Creation of Adam" on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

What does "Creation of Adam" depict?

It shows God bringing Adam to life, reflecting Christian beliefs about God's role as the divine creator of humanity

How does "Creation of Adam" reflect the teaching that humanity depends on God for life?

Adam is not yet fully alive and waits for God's touch to bring him to life, symbolising dependence on God

What does the similarity in the positions of God and Adam represent?

It reflects the belief that humanity is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

How does God’s appearance in the painting differ from Adam’s?

God looks much older, representing his eternal nature, and his transcendence as he is above the laws of time, while Adam is young and full of strength and potential

What does Adam’s appearance symbolise?

It shows that humanity was created perfectly, reflecting the teaching that everything God made was good. "he saw everything he had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31).

Why is God shown being carried by angels in "Creation of Adam"?

It emphasises that God is transcendent, existing beyond life on Earth and the universe.

How does the painting reflect the uniqueness of humans in creation?

God is shown bringing Adam, a human, to life rather than any other species, emphasising human uniqueness and close connection to God.

How does the act of God and Adam reaching out to each other reflect Catholic beliefs?

It represents the longing for a close relationship between God and humanity.

What three ways does "Creation of Adam" not reflect Catholic beliefs?

1) Genesis 2:7 says God breathed life into Adam, not touched him. “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being”

2) The painting suggests God and Adam are equal in size, which contradicts the belief in God's supremacy over humanity

3) God is shown in physical form. God is beyond physical form, as he is transcendent, and his divine nature cannot be limited to a human form.