Reports

Mike Fossey ‘’ Michelangelo & the Sistine Chapel’’ 11th January 23

Mike’s illustrated talk on Michaelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel frescoes – of which the ceiling is only part of the story – was a chance to examine the glorious colours and imagery which has been hidden beneath layers of dirt and soot for centuries. Mike touched on Michelangelo’s stormy relationship with Pope Julius II, who had commissioned the work, and on the numerous points where the artist challenged the religious hierarchy by inserting cheeky images and a variety of nudes into the artwork. Mike also took us through the various technical challenges faced by Michealngelo, who did not – as popularly thought – lie on scaffolding in order to paint the ceiling!