Jesse, David and Solomon

The lunette of Jesse, David, and Solomon depicts three of the most important ancestors of Christ, connecting the Old Testament monarchy to the coming of the Messiah. These figures held particular significance in the genealogical program as they represent the royal line from which both Joseph and Mary descended. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays Herculean anatomy, terribilità—an overwhelming physical and spiritual force—sculptural conception applied to painting, non-finito technique, monumental scale even in intimate works.

The three royal ancestors are rendered with the monumental dignity appropriate to their importance. Michelangelo differentiates each figure through distinctive pose and expression while maintaining the compositional unity of the lunette format.