Five Centuries old secrets

The Sistine Chapel's ceiling, painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the XVI Century, is said to hold a lot of secret messages: human organs, hidden portraits, and general mockeries are hiding everywhere in between brush strokes.

The Creation of Adam is probably one of the most discussed paintings of this series, especially when it comes to the shape of the veil holding God. Some said it looks like a brain, some others it looks like a uterus.

But among the many, one theory in particular has offered an interesting interpretation: that shape could have been based on a human heart.

Dutch musician Pieter Both was the one carrying on this theory, and when he approached me to do an animation about it, I couldn't say no! Not only the subject was fascinating, but his theory is actually supported by a series of historical connections.

I’ve always perceived the world of art critique with a sense of respectful reverence. Probably because, to be relevant in that world, an academic title is required.

So telling Pieter’s story was challenging: I knew that, because he’s not an art historian, the piece had to keep an academic tone, so as not to diminish the value of his research. But, for that same reason, I felt I had some space to add some humour to the narrative without losing its historical power.

And the turbulence of Michelangelo’s character allowed me even more to do so.

Via simple shapes and collage animations, I put together this short visual essay, trying to tell the story a non-art historian told me a while back, and hoping it will open up new discussions into the art history world.

Credits :
Based on the original story of Pieter Both

Direction and Animation: Federica D'Urzo
Produced by House of Panic

Producers: Annejes van Liempd, Liene Berina

Written by Federica D'Urzo, Bruce Bigg

Narrated by Kit Rodgers
Music by Jochem Weierink
Sound design by KlevR