mural painting and decoration, renaissance

Documents the restoration of the Sistine Chapel, shown in its entirety, providing an intimate understanding of this masterpiece. Explains the various forensic studies carried out in the course of the project, the pragmatic concerns of the restoration, and the many problems of historical approach that were confronted.

Discusses Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes within the context of their site, cultural circumstances, production, narrative and compositional structure, style, and theological significance, and includes thirty-eight color plates of the Renaissance masterpiece.

Presents an examination of the life, paintings, and sculpture, of Michelangelo, including forty colorplates from throughout his career, discussing the evolution of his art in words and pictures.

Examines fresco painting during the late-thirteenth to mid-sixteenth centuries, describes the painting methods used by Alberti, Cennini, Vasari, Pozzo, and others, and interprets passages from rare manuscripts on the causes of fresco destruction and how to clean and repair these works of art.

Explores the cultural impact of Michelangelo's work and the conservation process of the entire Genesis series.

Discusses the history of the Sistine Chapel, including the frescoes, Michelangelo's influence, the Last Judgment, and modern day restoration.