forms of expression: Michelangelo’s creation of adam and the tree of life mosaic

Question 1

michelangelos creation of adam: beliefs about god

Answer 1

• God presented as a dynamic and active figure. he is hard at work at his greatest creation.
• god reaches out to more passive figure of adam. god is shown to be older than adam, with grey hair and a beard. god as a muscular physique
• these show that God is a creator as revealed in the book of genesis
• highlights god is omnipotent as god created the universe
• god’s age highlights that God is omniscient showing he has wisdom
• his hand stretching out symbolises giving Adam the spark of life
• gid also shown on a cloud surrounded by angels. this highlights God is transcendent.
• some people believe the cloud represents a brain highlighting omniscience

Question 2

michelangelo’s creation if adam: beliefs about humans

Answer 2

• adam in the left of painting, lying back on the earth which he has been formed as described in genesis
• links to idea of stewardship as humans have been created to protect and preserve the environment for future generations
• adam is a perfect humans being; young, handsome, strong and resembles god
• adam mirrors pose of god. this links to belief of imago dei which comes from book of genesis and teachings of catherine of siena “she is the image of god”

Question 3

symbols on the Tree of Life Mosaic: Apse in San Clemente

Answer 3

• tree of life mosaic can be found in Apse Church of San Clemente in Rome
• an apse is a semi circular dome which is positioned above the alter in a church. dated to the 12th century.
• mosaic filled with symbolism
• central image is a cross which merged with many other important symbols.
• 12 lambs represent 12 disciples who were given task of passing on Jesus’ message. lamb un the centre with a halo represents Jesus who is known as the lamb of God who sacrificed his life
• tree and vines are symbolic of how the message of Christianity will grow and spread throughout the world. the tree is the tree of live and vines/branches will grow as Jesus’ message is passed on
• hand represents God reaching out to his son jesus and taking him to heaven. following jesus’ death on the cross it is believed that jesus rose again. hand shows god’s power to overcome death
• the alpha and omega are the first and last greek letters of the alphabet. symbolise the christian belief that god’s eternal. means that god has always existed and will always exist. he has no beginning or end
• Chi-Rho is a greek term for christ. it is one of the earliest church symbols and links to the belief that jesus is a saviour