The Sistine Chapel, while beautiful, was not what I expected. I had imagined the entire ceiling covered with the Michelangelo painting of the God giving life to Adam. Of course, that panel is there but there are also eight other panels with various scenes from the bible. The panels are surrounded by other paintings of people and family. It is amazing but overwhelming. Then there are the crowds. One could barely move through the chapel let alone enjoy the art. Interestingly, in one corner, the restorers did not clean a small area of the fresco. The comparison is night and day. The area not restored is black and the fresco can not be discerned. I appreciate the work that was done to bring it back to life.
We didn't have enough time at the museum. The works in the public rooms go on forever. And who can imagine what is on display in the private areas. Regardless, here is a taste.
The entrance...a little commercialized.
Lacoon and his sons - we saw this sculpture in multiple locations around the Mediterranean. This is the one all of the other copies are made from.
The colors are so vibrant. But parts of the Vatican are in constant restoration...maybe because they don't agree with whats on the walls/ceiling and just never finish!
One of the courtyards.
Modern art...a Dali.
Of course there are many tapestries. In this one, the Christ has eyes that will follow you as you move through the room. From memory...I believe it is from the 1500s.
Raphael's rooms were stunning. The discussions about who was in the paintings was interesting. There was some jealousy between the artists of the time and sometimes one artist would include a rival or himself as a sideline character...
Of course we had to have a picture of the Swiss Guards in uniform.
Tomorrow...St. Peter's Basilica.
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