Rome — The Vatican is perhaps one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, and it is not hard to understand why. Michelangelo Buonarroti’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are one of the treasures of the world.
Commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1503, Michelangelo was not a happy-camper when he was told he would be painting the complex fresco, as he apprenticed as a sculptor and considered this medium his true calling.
But when a powerful pope ordered a grand commission, there was little choice in the matter for the artist during that time. Michaelangelo spent four long years on the project, damaging his health and partially losing his sight in the process. But many will agree, art and culture has never been the same since.
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