550th anniversary of the birth of Michelangelo Buonarroti

We celebrate this year the 550th anniversary of the birth of Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the greatest geniuses of the Italian Renaissance, born in 1475 in Caprese, Tuscany. A sculptor, painter, architect and poet, Michelangelo left an indelible mark on the history of Western art and culture. His connection with Vatican City is deep and enduring. It was here that he created some of his most extraordinary works: from the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted between 1508 and 1512 on commission from Pope Julius II, to the monumental Last Judgement, frescoed on the altar wall between 1536 and 1541 for Pope Paul III. Michelangelo was also responsible for overseeing the construction of St. Peter's Basilica, for which he designed the majestic dome, an architectural symbol of Christianity. This anniversary is a valuable opportunity to rediscover Michelangelo's greatness and his invaluable contribution to the artistic heritage of the Holy See, which continues to fascinate millions of visitors from all over the world. The mini-sheet reproduces the portion of the Sistine Chapel ceiling depicting episodes from the Creation, including the Creation of Adam.