Michelangelo Additional Information I came across some interesting information about the Sistine Chapel Ceiling frescos. Michelangelo did not want to take on the project and in fact repeatedly tried to turn the Pope down; he even went so far as to suggest that the painter Raphael be given the commission. Michelangelo felt, and told the Pope, painting was not his art and that the project would be a failure. Though the Pope had considered giving the commission for the ceiling frescos to Michelangelo, his decision was not final until the architect of St. Peter’s, Bramante, convinced him. Bramante’s urging was not done with Michelangelo’s best interest in mind. He and Michelangelo were rivals for the Pope’s funding – Bramante for building St. Peter’s, and Michelangelo for creating the Pope’s tomb, both expensive projects. Michelangelo and the Pope had argued over the tomb, the Pope refused to see Michelangelo who angrily left Rome. Bramante figured, like Michelangelo, that the Sistine fresco project would be a disaster and Michelangelo would permanently fall out of the Pope’s favor thereby securing more money for Bramante’s project. Additionally, Bramante was a supporter of Raphael and this is who he really wanted to have the Sistine commission. Below is a more complete and clearer picture from the Sistine chapel, you can see the 15th century paintings below the windows. There is also a diagram detailing what is depicted on the ceiling.
You can see the ceiling frescos, the Last Judgment wall, and the 15th century frescos lining the walls under the windows.
This image, though small, is a little clearer than the one I uploaded for you. Below is a diagram telling you where the different figures and scenes are placed on the ceiling.