The Sistine Chapel frescoes painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 are some of the most revered images of the Renaissance. The ceiling painting, which depicts nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, is surrounded by 12 legendary prophets and sibyls. The Baillieu Library Print Collection holds all six of the prints by Mantuan artist, Giorgio Ghisi, after these Sistine seers. His series of engravings show the five figures of the south wall and the Delphic Sybil from the north wall.
The Last Judgement, which Michelangelo was commissioned to paint more than 20 years after the ceiling, is an enormous fresco on the sanctuary wall. The image was the most famous work of art of its day. The engraving after the fresco by Wierix, an artist from a dynasty of Flemish printmakers, includes Saint Bartholomew holding his flayed skin at centre. It is speculated by scholars that revealed in the skin may be Michelangelo’s self-portrait.
