Primary sourcePainting1508

Sketch for the First Design of the Sistine Chapel Vault

Michelangelo · 1508

A pen-and-ink sketch by Michelangelo planning the Sistine Chapel ceiling, including architectural framing and a nude figure study.

Michelangelo's own working sketch for his plan of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, made by his hand.

Ask Michelangelo Buonarroti about this source View the original

Pen-and-ink sketch on tan paper showing architectural framing on the left, with a diamond-shaped panel, pilasters, a circular niche, and an arch springing from a corbel. On the right, a study of a nude male figure's torso, raised arm bent over the head, and legs, drawn in reddish-brown ink. — Michelangelo, sketch for the first design of the Sistine Chapel vault, 1508. British Museum.

About this source

What it is

This is a pen-and-ink drawing by Michelangelo made in 1508, showing an early plan for the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It is held at the British Museum.

The sketch shows architectural framing on one side, including a diamond panel, pilasters and an arch, and a study of a nude male torso on the other side.

Why it matters

This drawing shows how Michelangelo worked out the structure of his most famous fresco before painting it. It reveals his process of combining architecture and the human body in his designs.

Look closer

Why might an artist plan architectural shapes before painting figures?
What does the nude study tell you about how Michelangelo studied the body?
What is missing from this sketch compared to the finished ceiling?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Michelangelo Buonarroti on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Michelangelo Buonarroti sources

Meet the AI Michelangelo Buonarroti →

Full-length white marble statue of a nude young male figure standing in contrapposto, one hand raised to his shoulder, the other at his side, set on a rough base within a domed, pale-walled room.

Sculpture

Primary source

David

Michelangelo · 1501-1504

A printed plate, numbered 106, in a bound album showing an engraved elevation of a wall tomb with architectural niches, statues, reclining figures, a central arched niche with a seated figure, and a circular medallion at top. Handwritten German caption below reads Entwurf für ein medicäisches Doppelgrab (Orig. in d. Albertina).

Artifact

Primary source

Elevation of a Planned Double Tomb for the Magnifici, Medici Chapel

unbestimmt

Wide view of the painted Sistine Chapel ceiling: a grid of framed panels with figures, nude and draped, with pendentives and lunettes in the corners, painted in warm earthy tones.

Painting

Primary source

Sistine Chapel ceiling

Michelangelo · 1508-1512

Michelangelo's fresco The Last Judgment on a wall. Christ sits at center in a blue halo surrounded by nude figures. Angels blow trumpets above, the dead rise from the ground, and figures fall into a boat and down toward hell at the bottom.

Painting

Secondary source

The Last Judgment

Michelangelo · 1536-1541

Engraved reproduction plate, page numbered 25, of Michelangelo's seated marble statue of Moses in an ornate architectural niche. Moses has a long flowing beard and horns, holds his beard with one hand, and rests on a pedestal inscribed with Latin text. Pencil caption at lower left reads S. Pietro in Vincoli.

Photograph

Secondary source

Statue of Moses by Michelangelo, San Pietro in Vincoli

unbestimmt

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Michelangelo Buonarroti now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for free Get a quote for institutions