With reference to Paul's masturbation concern, there is a theory that Michelangelo's depiction of god and Adam was based on his fear that the lord was indeed observing from above, when he took a break from his painting to 'relax'.
The great artist himself was known to have confided in a close friend, that his fear of the lord's observance of his 5 finger exercises, was causing him anxiety and some sexual dysfunction. Consequently, he confessed to have painted such a large and impressive Sistene Chapel ceiling, with the full intention of 'distracting' god, while he relieved himself over the paint pots.
Ironically, the painting depicts god pointing accusingly at Adam who had been rattling one off himself, having slyly sent Eve off to hunt for apples. Gotta laugh.
3 comments:
This may be why I like Caravaggio - vulgar, brawling and the bad boy of Baroque! His religious commissions were sometimes rejected - he did naughty things like using a prostitute as the model for the Virgin Mary....
I'm sure she would have been secretly thrilled. It must be tough being so, well, revered.
I find it quite easy. Great post Jan!
Post a Comment