The flood was considered to represent baptism and Noah’s ark in the background was designed to symbolise the church. In the painting are desperate people seeking refuge on a mountain top, hoping to be safe from the rising water.
In the distance, there are wicked people at the ark’s platform trying to run towards it for safety. A small boat is also about to capsize, and those who have reached it are in a fierce struggle. The ark is brought out as the only ship that will survive the flood.
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti is one of the most influential painters and sculptors in Western art. The Italian artist remains to be the world’s most celebrated icons more than 450 years after his death. Below are some of his most iconic works.
The Last Judgement, Sistine Chapel
This masterpiece can be found within the Sistine Chapel, and it appears on the altar wall of the church. The magnificent piece is one of the most complex works by Michelangelo, and it depicts God’s final judgement to mankind. In 1564, the Council of Trent condemned the Fresco, claiming it was controversial in its depiction of nudity.
Pieta
This was one of the most outstanding works of Michelangelo in the late 15th century. It was designed for the tomb of the French Cardinal Jean de Bilheres. The sculpture portrays Virgin Mary holding the body of her son Jesus on her lap after his crucifixion. This is a common theme of Renaissance-era Italy in funeral monuments. During the 18th century, Pieta was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pieta was the only work Michelangelo ever signed.
Doni Tondo
Also known as The Holy Family, Doni Tondo was painted for a Florentine banker – AgnoloDoni to commemorate his marriage. Since 1635, the striking ornate piece resides at Galleria Degli Uffizi.
The Torment of St. Anthony
This was the first painting Michelangelo ever produced and can be found at the Texas’ Kimbell Art Museum. The Torment of St. Anthony is believed to have been painted when Michelangelo was between the ages of 12 and 13. The painting shows Saint Anthony being assailed in the dessert by demons whose temptations he resisted.
The Madonna of Bruges
This is a marble sculpture showing Mary holding her infant baby Jesus. The depiction of this sculpture differs completely from other earlier illustrations, which featured a virgin smiling, down at her child. In Michelangelo’s carving, Jesus stands on his mother’s lap almost unsupported and with little restraint from Mary. She is seen gazing away from her son and does not cling to him. It currently sits in Belgium’s Church of our Lady.
Bacchus
Bacchus was Michelangelo’s first large-scale sculpture and is just one of the carvings that survived from his first days in Rome. It was also one of the few sculptures he designed with paganism in mind. The statue brings out a Roman god of wine who appears to be drunk. It was first commissioned by Cardinal Raffaele Riario who later rejected it. In the 16th century, the sculpture was accepted in Jacopo Galli’s palace. It has resided at MuseoNazionale del Bargello in Florence since 1871 and is displayed alongside other works by the artist, including David-Apollo and the Brutus.
David
This is the world’s most famous sculpture. It was sculpted within three years from when Michelangelo was only 26 years old. Unlike in other depictions where David is brought out as fearless and victorious, the artist here portrays him as tense and alert prior to his fight. The sculpture was first stationed at Piazza Della Signoria in Florence back in 1504. It was then moved to Galleria dell’ Accademia, where it is today.
