Michelangelo and the ‘ezer kenegdo

I recently listened to an excellent lecture by Elaine Ruffolo, an art historian, who spoke about Michelangelo’s women (the title of the lecture available on YouTube).  In it she points out that the center of the paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is not God’s creation of Adam (perhaps the most famous of the Sistine paintings).  Rather, it is the creation of Eve (see below).  The real masterpiece of God is woman, not man.  Ruffolo has a lot more to say about this, but I am struck by the Jewish influence in Michelangelo’s work.  There are examples after examples in the Sistine Chapel.  This one, at the center, is key.  Perhaps Mariology, which was solidified during the same time period, had some influence as well, but here we see that the ‘ezer kenegdo is foremost.  You might also notice the power in the represented figure (the arms, legs) and the relative passivity of the man in both the creation paintings.  Also notice the position the Eve, the relationship with God and her spiritual connection in worship and prayer.

Just thought you’d find this interesting.