It is widely acknowledged that Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are the greatest achievement in Western art, having inspired artists through the ages to use its styles and motifs in their own work. Since its unveiling 490 years ago, this complex masterpiece has transfixed countless viewers through its historical illustrations and predominant themes of the human experience. Michelangelo’s decoration of the ceiling is a monument to the extraordinary creative and …showed first 75 words of 1411 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1411 total…of pictorial art and Michelangelo was, at the age of 37, not only recognized as the greatest artist of his day, but was also regarded as having raised the status of the artist to such a high pinnacle that he could be referred to as "divine". His devout religious beliefs, as well as his dedication to representing the passionate side of man, can be seen in not only the Sistine Chapel but in all his works.