In the heart of the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel is the site of the conclave where every new pope is elected. It is without doubt the holiest chapel in the Christian world, and draws more than 4 million visitors per year. Most of the world knows it best for its magnificent frescoes painted by the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti. What has remained a little-known secret, however, is that within this citadel of Christianity lies perhaps the greatest subversive act in the history of art.
Almost none of the visitors who enter the Sistine realize that they are gazing upon secret messages embedded by Michelangelo in his artistic masterpiece. They would certainly be surprised to learn that, in the pope's own chapel, Michelangelo employed these secret messages to advocate for a revolutionary change in Christianity's relationship to Judaism, and that the code itself was rooted in the Jewish tradition.
Michelangelo became fascinated with Midrash and Kabbalah as a teenager, studying with private tutors provided by his patron, Lorenzo de' Medici. Using his knowledge of Judaism and its mystical symbols, he later incorporated messages, via painted images, on the chapel's walls dangerously contrary to the teachings of the Church. In this way, he criticized the corrupt spiritual leadership of the time, and condemned the Church's failure to acknowledge its debt to Jewish origins.
Expressed 500 years before the more liberal contemporary theology of Pope John Paul II and "The Good Pope," John XXIII, discovery of his secret code and heretical views might have cost Michelangelo his life.
When I first heard these claims from Roy Doliner, a Jewish docent and scholar of the humanities who has been leading tours of the Sistine Chapel for close to a decade, I assumed they were too incredible to be true. Only after he shared with me his diligent research (after which I performed a great deal of scholarly sleuthing on my own) did I became thoroughly convinced of their legitimacy.
"Just as the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel changed forever the world of art, so will this book change forever the way to view and, above all, to understand the work of Michelangelo," said Enrico Bruschini, official art historian for the U.S. Embassy in Rome and a leading expert on the art of Rome and the Vatican.
A true Renaissance man, Michelangelo was at home in philosophy as well as art; in Christian theology as well as Jewish mysticism. However, those who have studied his work in the past generally have not been conversant with the wide corpus of knowledge that forged him as an artist. Most Sistine Chapel scholars were not well-versed in Judaism and Kabbalah; it was impossible for them to fully grasp the artist's allusions. By combining the scholarship of our respective fields, Roy and I, the docent and the Orthodox rabbi, were able to uncover secrets long buried in Michelangelo's frescos.
From the start, Michelangelo had a personal agenda different from that of his patron. In 1508, we know that Pope Julius II ordered Michelangelo to re-plaster and paint the crumbling ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a demeaning job at that time for any great artist, and especially for Michelangelo, who detested painting and lived only to sculpt. The pope gave him a simple design, a very standard and banal layout of Jesus and Mary at the two ends of the ceiling, surrounded by the Apostles and a common design of geometric shapes in the center. The artist refused, and fought with the pope who, sick and distracted, finally let him develop his own plan.
Imagine the surprise of the pope and the viewers when the completed project was unveiled four and a half years later: Ninety-five percent of the Chapel was adorned with heroes and heroines of the Jewish Bible. The rest was filled with pagan sibyls and naked boys.
In the 12,000 square feet of the world's largest fresco, there was not a single Christian figure to be found. The only nod to the Gospels - and one of the ways Michelangelo managed to save both his life and the painting - was a barely-noticeable series of names of the Jewish ancestors of Jesus that do not even appear in chronological order. Why did Michelangelo disobey the pope in this way?
Michelangelo had a hidden agenda: to remind the Church that its roots were grounded in the Torah given to the Jewish people.
Michelangelo had a hidden agenda: to remind the Church that its roots were grounded in the Torah given to the Jewish people. This insight, which he inserted throughout his work, is only now beginning to receive attention in contemporary scholarship. It is also showing up in the popular media. Time magazine's March 24 cover story, "10 Ideas That Are Changing the World," singled out what scholars are now calling "Re-Judaizing Jesus" as the most powerful idea in the field of religion.
Michelangelo's frescos emphasize the universality of God and the kinship of all mankind by beginning the pictorial narrative with the Creation story of Genesis, not with the birth of Jesus. To a Church that preached exclusionism and stressed Divine love for only a limited number of His children, Michelangelo emphasized tolerance of all faiths, even the despised Jews of his time.
One fresco exemplifying this idea is the portrait of Aminadab, father of Nachshon, which appears above the elevated area where the pope sat on his throne. Hebrew scholars know that Aminadab's Hebrew name means, "from my people, a prince." But the Church interprets a "prince of the Jews" to refer directly to Jesus. Michelangelo positioned Aminadab, "Prince of the Jews," as surrogate for Jesus himself.
This is one of the extremely rare figures painted by Michelangelo sitting perfectly upright, looking forward, a signal by the artist that the figure is, indeed, noteworthy. Moreover, a bright yellow circle, a ring of cloth sewn onto a garment appears on Aminadab's upper left arm. (This detail was not revealed for modern audiences until the frescoes were restored in 2001.) This patch displays the badge of shame forced on the Jews of Europe by the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 and the Inquisition during the 15th Century. Here, directly over the head of the pope, the Vicar of Christ, Michelangelo was reminding the Church that Jesus was a Jew. He was condemning the Church for its shameful treatment of the Jews, from whom Jesus was born.
This was a courageous statement. His veiled messages were painted at a time when the Talmud and other Jewish sacred texts were being burned all over Europe, the Inquisition was operating at full strength and the Jewish people had just been expelled from Spain in 1492. Michelangelo had the courage to challenge the papal court, asking via the symbols of his painting, "Is this how you treat the very family of Our Lord?"
Michelangelo's contempt for the Church's treatment of Jews went further to insult the pope himself via an almost imperceptible gesture of Aminadab. Almost hidden in shadow, this surrogate for Jesus is subtly making "devil's horns" with his fingers, which point downward toward the very spot where Pope Julius' richly embroidered ceremonial canopy would have been, over the papal throne.
In somewhat similar manner, in another fresco placed over the original chapel portal through which Pope Julius entered, Michelangelo depicts the prophet Zechariah with the pope's own face. Over his shoulder one can see a little angel with his fingers curled in a way to make an obscene gesture known in Italy as "giving the fig."
In the symbolism of the Sistine Chapel frescoes, instead of shame and persecution, inclusiveness and acknowledgement of Divine Favor are the qualities Michelangelo advocates for the Church's treatment of the Jews. We have an even more powerful indication of Michelangelo's philo-Semitism in his later work, "The Last Judgment."
In it, a golden-haired angel robed in red poses directly over Jesus' head and points at two men within a group known as the "Righteous Souls," a collection of figures who represent those privileged to spend eternity in a state of bliss with Jesus as reward for their deeds on earth. Michelangelo portrays both of these men as Jews, a potentially blasphemous act. One wears the two-pointed cap that the Church forced Jewish males to wear to reinforce the medieval prejudice that Jews, being spawned of the Devil, had horns. This figure is shown speaking to the other older Jew as he points one finger upward, indicating the One-ness of God. The other figure wears a yellow cap of shame; during the 13th century, the Church ordered Jewish men in Italy to wear such caps in public. In front of the two figures, a woman, her hair modestly covered, whispers in the ear of a nude youth before her. The youth resembles Michelangelo's young tutor, Pico della Mirandola, who owned the largest Kabbalah library in the world at the time, and who taught the young artist secrets of Jewish mysticism as he infused within him a life-long respect for the Jewish people.
In granting Jews a place in heaven with Jesus, the 16th century Michelangelo took a then-blasphemous stand on an issue which still provokes heated debate among Christians in the 21st century. His depiction of those granted Divine Favor clearly contravened official Church doctrine, which maintained that Jews could never hope to have a Heavenly reward.
Michelangelo defined genius as "eternal patience." This year, the 500th anniversary of Michelangelo starting his work on the Sistine ceiling, we have finally "cracked" his "code," and his insights, ingeniously concealed in his work, can at last be heard.
Click here to order the "The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican,"
(47) Ed Z, May 8, 2013 3:30 PM
great article
I have been to the Sisitine many times, before&after the cleaning..I read the book, great stuff! remember,who did Michaelangelo pick for the main statue for Juliu's tomb? MOSES. was Michelangelo a Marrano?
Galit, January 2, 2014 12:20 AM
Perhaps he was
One should remember that thousands of Jews were brought to Rome AD 70 by Titus......their DNA would live on...and on...and on :)
Angela Jo, January 2, 2014 3:36 PM
on and on and on
Yes I know.
(46) Drew, January 2, 2009 10:37 PM
Just a small point if i may. "It is without doubt the holiest chapel in the Christian world" This quote is not quite right, The Holiest chapel in the Catholic world would be more correct. I have ordered the book, looks good!! If it,s possible could someone pass this comment on to the Rabbi. Thanks and Shalom
(45) BasyaS., December 28, 2008 12:20 PM
Renaissance Romance with Judaism
During 16th and early 17th centuries, it was not uncommon for men of Michelangelo's religious and intellectual persuasions to attend synagogue services or study Judaism, especially in Italy. My own research into the music of the early 17th century has revealed Torah trope in the music of Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi.
(44) Anonymous, August 4, 2008 12:26 AM
Church vs Mosque
To Danielle,
I am not an expert in the laws of avoda zara or in the other religions but I think that the answer to your question has something to do with whether or not they are considered to be worshiping avoda zara. I think that the muslims believe in one god and actually believe that their god is the same one that appears in the old testement. I have heard muslims refer to stories in the old testement replacing the name Hashem with the name of their god. It is therefore considered less of an avoda zara than JC who the Xians made into a god
(43) Ellen Chmiel, July 24, 2008 11:09 PM
Proper Catholic stance towards Jews
The Vatican has said Jews have their own way to salvation & don't need conversion to Christianity.
The figa, shown above, was not an insulting sign but mingled male/female symbol. What's insulting about that? Plus many Italian men wear it w/o real significance.
(42) Daniela, July 24, 2008 9:14 AM
To Joe
You didn't fully read my question - I said, "during a service".
(41) Joe, July 24, 2008 2:08 AM
Answer to Daniella
Daniella, did you notice in the article, that a Jewish docent and a rabbi were doing research in the Sistine Chapel? Does the Sistine Chapel, in the "heart of the Vatican" count as a church? Does that answer your question?
(40) Daniela, July 22, 2008 11:20 AM
Question
I'm curious, anyone who would like to answer, especially Joe, why is it that we Jews are forbidden by Jewish Law/Custom to go into a church during a service, but we are allowed to go into a mosque during a service ?
(39) Joe, July 21, 2008 1:57 PM
To Keren
Keren,
Respectfully, our Torah is very clear about not punishing children for the sins of their parents. You really need to tone down your rhetoric. One of the few groups of real friends we have in America are traditional Christians. They are not pagans (how can you be so insulting?). Not all of them want to see us convert and not all of them have any reason to be patient with your hateful tone.
(38) Anonymous, July 20, 2008 3:37 AM
I printed out the 5 pages of The Michelangelo Code so I could read it as I get tired reading online on the computer. I am fascinated by this as I was by Dan Brown's books The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.
I am going to read this article now. I have the greatest admiration for Judaism and its long suffering people.
It is funny how new religions want to discount the religion they came from. Christianity has come a long way in changing this. Education is the best way to inform people of Judiasm and Christianity and other religions. Christians and Jews need each other now more than ever.
(37) Keren, July 19, 2008 9:15 PM
#26 Don't fool yourself
Catholics are christians,and even christians not being catholics ,they believe in "christ"and they believe that their salvation only comes when Jews accept their god.
There is no difference between both,the difference resides only in rethoric,the essence is the same:they want Jews to fall in their paganism.
(36) Keren, July 19, 2008 4:52 PM
This conclusion is only one more evidence of the robbery Jews have been victims .
The only way the church had to sustain the theory they created ,that they were the "elected"and not the Jews,since we didn't accept their "jesus"( did he exist?),was massacrating the object of their robbery(us).This is the base of the church.If the impossibility of the Jews disapearing ever happened(since that's impossible),the church could not exist.They exist(yet)just because they are parasitaries.
It is beautifull to know Michelangelo had such a clarity of mind and soul.
(35) Joe, July 17, 2008 3:34 PM
To Daniela
Respectfully, you are taking a very, very zealous view as to what constitutes an idol to the extent of making a fence around a fence - and while we are at it the laws of Avodah Zara. I believe that you should examine Rambam's Book of Knowledge in his Mishneh Torah for a very complete discussion.
Simply put, to be an idol, it must be complete - note, we do not hold that childrens' dolls are an issue, why? Seriously, ask your rabbi...
Also, to worship an idol, and count as Avodah Zara, one must worship in the way appropriate to that idol with the idea in mind that it is a "god".
I am not trying to take - for one minute - away from the seriousness of Avodah Zhara, but when you come out so very very far to the right, you actually wash a great deal of the subtlety and spirit of Jewish Law away. For example, no one in his right mind considers a statue of Abrahm Lincoln to be an idol, or going to the Lincoln memorial to be Avodah Zhara.
If you say, ok going to the Lincoln Memorial makes me personally ( as in you Daniella) uncomfortable because it can be remeniscent of Avodah Zhara, that is a diferent statement. Then you personally don't need to go.
However, don't mistake that for it actually being an issue with Jewish Law. Rather understand it as the Chumra it is.
(34) Monika, July 17, 2008 2:23 PM
setting things straight
To Daniela,I know that Moses was never worshipped as a god!I am sorry that perhaps I gave a bad comparison.Of course I respect your believes and hope you would humbly respect mine.I was not offended when David called Jesus Christ "J.C."
"Jesus Christ" is only an English translation from the Greek,and having been born of a Jewish mother made him also a Jew with a Jewish name which most Christians don't even know.He never wanted to be venerated as a god like so many Christians falsely do, but always pointed to the Father Hashem in heaven.You are right,many so-called Christians and non-Christians use the words "Jesus Christ" or just "Jesus"as swear words which of course does Christianity no good.It is good that you are so Jewish law observant.I wish the whole world would adhere to Jewish law as it was given by Haschem to Moses.And it is true that G-d has chosen the Jewish people as a light unto the world,but the world is slow to learn.Even your "step-brother" Ishmael is still at odds with you.So please be patient with us Chrisians, we are all at different levels of learning.
(33) Daniela, July 17, 2008 8:55 AM
To Rachel -
I reread all the previous comments due to your comment and could find nothing anti-Catholic in them. As for idols, I think you need to ask your Rabbi about this, you may not have received enough education on this. Statues of venerated people are idols according to Jewish Law. There is no doubt about it. "Graven Images" they're called. Do no think there is anything artistic to their purpose.
Also to Monica - Moses was never worshipped as a god. It is not nearly the same to call Moses MO as to refuse to speak the name of a false god. Sorry if I seem insulting, but this is Jewish Law. I appreciate that you love us, but our beliefs are our beliefs and you must respect them. To us, given the facts of Christian doctrine and history, the name Jesus Christ is equivalent to a swear word.
(32) ESTHER SOLANO, July 16, 2008 9:52 PM
catholic idols are other kind of art ?
My opinion on the visitors comments : 29
signed Rachel.
Rachel I beg your pardon ? I am a former catholic also as yourself who do you want to fool ? catholics adore idols That it is a factthat you want to call an art. Let us hold it the work paintings and so forth are art but the believers adore them .come on! . And in relation that your experience with priest and sisters apparently were wonderful I am going to call you the lucky girl as far as I am concerned my experience with that kind of " people " was disaster that with FACTS I can present proof experienced of: corruption , nastiness, hypocrisy. Rachel you have the right to fool yourself but you can not fool all of us.
With all my respect.A former catholic.
Esther
(31) Daniela, July 16, 2008 6:54 PM
michelangelo was not catholic
He was so boldly non-catholic that, later in his life, he drew close to the Valdesian beliefs ("valdesi" "vaudois") a small protestant xian group whose followers mostly lived (and still do) in northwest italy and neighbouring french regions. He was always xian and never in his writings and letters, as far as i know, expressed a drive towards the Oneness of G-d.
(30) Monika, July 16, 2008 4:59 PM
A very interesting article ! One thing I must make clear though is, that there are millions of Christians who love the Jewish people and the land of Israel with all their heart. It is well known among Christianity about all the injustice done by so-called Christians of mostly the Catholic church, not only towards the Jewish people but also towards other Christians.-One day I spoke to a Jewish person and he told me that it is forbidden for a Jewish person to even say the name "Jesus Christ," but could only say "J.C." It is like for a Christian to only say "M0" for Moses.
As for me, God bless the Jewish people.
(29) Rachel, July 15, 2008 6:11 PM
Anti-christian comments
I'm disgusted by the comments posted here by some. I can understand the antipathy people who were subjected to anti-semitism by self-proclaimed christians, but some of these people just seem to be bigots.
I'm a former Roman Catholic who converted to Orthodox Judaism. I NEVER encountered a Catholic priest or sister who expressed anti-semitic sentiments.
And by the way -- there is no "holiest site" in Catholicism, the most humble church is on a par with the Sistine Chapel in Catholic theology because the Mass is celebrated there, also, the statues in Catholic churces are not "idols" as they are not venerated as holy objects -- they are another form of art.
(28) Don Skylar, July 15, 2008 2:14 PM
First time/future fan
What a fascinating insight, More writings of this type would bring the world closer together, instead of the polarization that "mystery" generates. Like the others, Thank You.
Don Skylar
(27) Brian, July 15, 2008 10:51 AM
Criticisms?
What I find curious, and I admire the possibilities and the research that went into this work, is that there's no mention of this influence in Michelangelo's written materials on the Sistine Chapel. And seriously, Charlton Heston wasn't reading the Zohar in "The Agony and the Ecstasy." Sheesh.
(26) ruth, July 15, 2008 3:29 AM
Very ,very interesting.I'Ll send it to all my friends
(25) Anny Matar, July 14, 2008 10:55 AM
Thank you, a great and most interesting article
Reading AISH becomes more and more like being a student and enjoying ones lectures.
I am certain this book will follow the success the "Da Vinci Code" had.
Am looking forward to buying it in Israel.
Thanks again,
Anny Matar
(24) michael, July 14, 2008 5:41 AM
living in rome
Everyday I checkout the AISH site,and i am so grateful for all your interesting articles and increasing my awareness.I found this article absolutely fascinating.I am currently living in Rome and i cant wait to check this out.Thanks again.
(23) Anonymous, July 14, 2008 1:05 AM
Thank-you!
What a fantastic article! I think that the best part for me is the whole timelessness of the message. We are each of all called this time time & place for a reason--do we have the courage to fulfill our purpose?
(22) Nechama G, July 13, 2008 10:52 PM
A question, not really a comment
A relative of mine would make what she called a "feig" (fig with a long "i" sound) with her fist, putting her thum between her pointer finger and middle finger in making a fist. Is that the same as "giving the fig?" She said that she was doing this to counter a kin-a-hara. I thought that this might be very interesting. I never heard anyone else refer to this gesture.
(21) Rena, July 13, 2008 5:50 PM
why
why didn't Michelangelo suffer any consequences? and why wasn't the ceiling compromised? all of these symbols would have been obvious to the church then. How was the ceiling received by the pope and the church then - what do other historians have to say to the meanings of the different drawings brought up here? very curious, thanks for a thought provoking article.
(20) David Allen Flax, July 13, 2008 4:19 PM
My kippah in Michelangelos chapel
On a recent vacation, I visited the Vatican with my wife. We toured the Sistine Chapel and a guard motioned to me to remove my baseball cap. I did so and he was greeted by my kippah. He smiled and so did I. I think perhaps Michelangelo smiled also.
(19) Kip Gonzales, July 13, 2008 2:27 PM
Great article!
Wow! That´s fascinating! I´m glad to find out that Michelangelo used this way to protest some of the many injustices of the Catholic Church. (I might add that the Sistine Chapel is the holiest site of Catholicism, but not necessarily Christianity.) All Christians need to understand the Jewish roots of Christianity. "Christian" anti-semitism is a contradiction in itself. By the way, if Michelangelo had so much insight, why is his famous sculpture of David uncircumsised?
(18) Beverly Kurtin, July 13, 2008 1:59 PM
Cheshire Cat
I'm grinning like a Cheshire Cat at the moment. This is a tad like crawling into Michelangelo's mind while listening to what had to be a constant chuckle emanating from his mouth.
As late as the mid 1940s, I had undergone incredible persecution from Roman Catholic children, especially around Easter and Christmas when I, being the only Jewish girl in my school, would be physically attacked for killing their "baby" Jesus. I was actually, during one of their despicable attacks, STONED until a stone hit a major artery in my head and I began spraying as many of them with my blood as possible. How any person who claimed to honor a Jewish man as their saviour and act in such a shameful way is still beyond my ability to comprehend.
That lead to a life-long distaste for anything smacking of Catholicism. I cannot enter any of their houses of worship as the idols surrounding those places make my skin crawl, literally, I've watched my body react so negatively that the skin itself tried to crawl off me. So, needless to say, I was absolutely delighted that Michelangelo was able to thumb his nose at the Papacy inside its own den of iniquity. How DELIGHTFUL, and how in the dickens did he ever get away with it?
I was especially tickled by the "devil's horns" being aimed directly at the chief instigators of so much Jew-hate, the popes. That old boy had more than enough chutzpah to go around.
As I have matured, I've tried to forgive those who so viciously attacked me in the past. Sixty years is too long to carry a burden like that when I'm the only one who remembers the viciousness and maliciousness of those days gone by.
Knowing that Michelangelo did what he did where he did it has helped immensely to lift that burden. By golly, I think I'm purring!
(17) Sheila Byers, July 13, 2008 1:45 PM
I have read and heard about this and find it fascinating
I am sure that there is much more,to know about, but we will never hear it in our lifetime.This is the tip of the anti-semetic iceberg.
(16) Lisa, July 13, 2008 1:04 PM
Very interesting, great article
Loved reading this. It is refreshing to see how a great christian artist was educated enough on judaism to place it into his creations.
Im sure this is just the begining on de coding more messages hidden in such historic places.
(15) ronnie weinstein, July 13, 2008 12:50 PM
I was in Rome and took the Vatican Tour with Roy and his tour group. It was the most fascinating tour I have ever taken. I would highly recommend it.
(14) Ellis, July 13, 2008 12:07 PM
Michelangelo not such a great artist
In researching for my Art History course while in College I came across the picture of G-d giving life to Adam. However, since Adam did not come from the womb why would he have a belly button. In addition, why would G-d have a belly button. The answer is that Michelangelo painted what he saw from models.
(13) Charlottte, July 13, 2008 11:13 AM
very interesting
I've even been to the Sistine chapel during a tour of Italy for Art and Architecture, but I never heard these interpretations. This should be sent to your catholic friends - so they know what Michelangelo knew. The tour would have given me much more meaning if I had been educated before touring the art.
(12) talmadge, July 13, 2008 11:13 AM
good article.the restoration of all things is at hand.the truth will prevail! talmadge
(11) Yosef, July 13, 2008 10:48 AM
Simply Amazing !
This is an amazing article. I had no idea of the magnitude of this famous work of art. Baruch HASHEM ! This is inspiring and thought provoking. ....simply wonderful. One of my favorite articles I have read.
Shalom, Yosef in Canton
(10) Edo, July 13, 2008 10:41 AM
An Observed Distinction
As a religious Jew and as one who appreciates open discussion with the Christian Community, we need to make a clear distinction between "Catholic" and "Christian". Most modern Western Christians do not associate their faith with the anti-Semetic, antiquated idolatry of Catholicism. For example, to say a Catholic location is a holy site of Christianity would be like saying Beverly Hills (with several movie stars embracing the kabbalah) is a thriving center of Judaism.
Despite this observation, this article is thought-provoking. I suppose its our Jewish response to the "DaVinci Code" book!
(9) julie, July 13, 2008 10:40 AM
art history professeurs would love this
The study of art history is a combination of art appreciation and an understanding of the prevailing cultural attitudes that artists were influenced by and were responding to. Although painters and sculptors are not at the forefront of popular social commentary today the way music artists are, in the past the visual arts were both the honey and the thorn of the church because they communicated complex ideas at a time when the avarage person could not read. A study of the influential readings and personal relationships of an artists life can reaveal the inspiration for themes and the choice for models. Previous papal commisions for madonna & child paintings led painters to have the pope's favorite prostitute sit as the model for the mother mary. The painting is perfectly serene, but with this small piece of knowledge the entire piece becomes a virulent smear against the pope. If we know what michaelangelo studied before painting the sistine chapel, then a proper interpretation of his work must include the study of his influences. I know this is generally the practice for any professional art historian, so I will be interested to know if this revelation will encourage the kind of scholarly investigation among academia that it belies or if Michaelangelo's subtle dissertation in plaster 500 years ago is still to much for the rest of the world to hear and understand.
(8) Renata Paperno, July 13, 2008 10:32 AM
Eye opening article
I found this article to be extremely interesting! I now have a newfound respect in Michelangelo and long to see his works in person. He deserves so much respect for taking a stand for the Jews and risking his life to do so. I am glad that this knowledge is being dissiminated to the general public so that his message and legacy can live on.
(7) Avraham Broide, July 13, 2008 10:26 AM
more explosive than the Da Vinci Code
This is more explosive than the Da Vinci Code.
(6) Anonymous, July 13, 2008 10:20 AM
A jaw-dropping article.
Marvelous article, but why does the processing time to send an e-mail of the article never seem to end until I finally X the e-mail out in disgust.
(5) Marlen, July 13, 2008 10:08 AM
Michelangelo Code Article
Loved this article. I have been to the sistine chapel twice and marveled at the "interesting" painting. It certainly makes a lot more sense now, and the person that was with us sharing, would value from this information! BTW, I am a Christian who appreciates my Jewish roots. Thank you
(4) Dorothy Rosner, July 13, 2008 9:31 AM
Michelangelo Code Article
Marvelous,if true. The only problem is that the people who should read it, will not (the anti-semites), and not enough Jews will read it.
Dorothy
(3) Ruth Housman, July 13, 2008 8:24 AM
beauty is truth
Thank you for this wonderful fresh analysis of Michelangelo's masterpiece, The Sistine Chapel. I am going to download this article to re read this and I am very interested in your book.
I will never forget the first time I went took that journey to Italy to see the Sistine Chapel. It was something so remarkable for me, so amazing, I was grateful for years that I had seen this, and also at a time before the cleaning of the works, as it had a patina that was most luminous and subdued. I haven't wanted to go back as I hear the colors are now almost too vivid but I may be wrong. That moment of seeing this glory was a moment of truth for me.
I am thrilled to read this article and hope to learn more about what you are saying here about the work and the man.
I am always quoting the title of Stone's book, The Agony and The Ecstasy, and noted that most recently it has been reappearing in bookstores, especially in the airports of the world.
(2) Judith Harris, July 13, 2008 8:20 AM
Sorry for the history.It's about time that we know!
As a Roman Catholic and a woman with a Jewish great-grandmother, I'm saddened by this history for all involved because of the pain inflicted on the Jewish people of that time and their lost opportunity to share their rich traditions and blessings.
(1) Ann Morrill, July 13, 2008 7:50 AM
Michelangelo Code Article
I thought this was great, what do you think?
Ann