Ancestors of Christ: David and Solomon

This spandrel of David and Solomon occupies a particularly prominent position in the Sistine Chapel’s genealogical program, depicting the two greatest kings of Israel. David’s importance as Christ’s ancestor and Solomon’s as builder of the Temple gave these figures special theological significance within the ceiling’s program. 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 royal figures are rendered with the grandeur appropriate to Israel’s most celebrated monarchs. Michelangelo’s characteristic sculptural modeling gives each figure a three-dimensional power that seems to project from the painted surface.