Creation of Sun, Moon and Plants

Artist: Michelangelo
Location: Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
Medium: Fresco
Date: 1511

Biblical Context

Creation - God creates the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:14-19).

Completed in 7 days. Shows God creating the sun and moon with outstretched arms, commanding the celestial bodies into existence. In the same panel, God is shown a second time from behind, creating the plants. This dual depiction of God in one scene is a compositional innovation.