The Last Judgement & The Libyan Sybil (Sistine Chapel)
Fresco
The Creation of Adam
Principles of Design
Balance
Balance in design is similar to balance in physics. A large shape close to the center can be
balanced by a small shape close to the edge. A large light toned shape will be balanced by a
small dark toned shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be).
The force provided by second figure on the right and the raised leg of Adam adds tension
and balance to the painting. The figure of God and Adam brings formal balance.(same
amount of weight).
Repetition
Repeating visual elements such as line, color, shape, texture, value or image
tends to unify the total effect of a work of art as well as create rhythm.
Repetition can take the form of an exact duplication (pattern), a near
duplication, or duplication with variety.
The picture of humans behind God is a form of repetition.
Contrast
Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements. Eg, opposite colors on the color wheel -
red / green, blue / orange etc. Contrast in tone or value - light / dark. Contrast in
direction - horizontal / vertical.
There is a color contrast, where there’s color green on Adams site whereas there’s red on
the other side.
Unity
Relating the design elements to the idea being expressed in a painting reinforces the
principal of unity. Eg, a painting with an active aggressive subject would work better with
a dominant oblique direction, course, rough texture, angular lines etc. whereas a quiet
passive subject would benefit from horizontal lines, soft texture and less tonal contrast.
Unity in this picture comes from all direction, the green cloth from Gods side, two figures
with same weight and the raised leg of Adam forms unity to this painting.
Elements of Design
Direction
All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness,
stability and tranquility. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness.
Oblique suggests movement and action.
There are no straight lines in this painting; most of them are curved line. There are few
horizontal and vertical lines.
Color
Primary color- Red & Green
Value
Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Value is also called Tone.
Top left of the painting has darker colors.
Holy Family or Doni Tondo
The Principles of Design
Balance
The three figures in the middle are evenly balanced in a triangle.
The three main figures in dark colors are balanced with the nudes at the back with light
colors.
Repetition
The nudes at the back of Doni Tondo’s family are repeated. The lines and grasses are
repeated in this painting.
Contrast
The colors of the front figure are into darker colors compared to secondary figure at the
back of the family.
Dominance
Dominance gives a painting interest, counteracting confusion and monotony. Dominance
can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis
The family dominates the painting.
The Elements of Design
Line
Horizontal, vertical and curved lines
Shape
The family is in a triangle shape and they are evenly balanced. The frame is ornately
carved and rather unusual for the five heads it contains which protrude three
dimensionally into space
Direction
The horizontal lines gives a pond like image to the painting.
Color
Use of primary & secondary color. The yellow used is very luminous because of the
shades.
Texture
The painting is made of tempera and oil paints so it gives a smooth touch to it.
Value
The mountains at the top of the painting have shades. This makes it to be darker at the
top compared to the lower parts of the mountains. As for the ground area where Virgin
Mary rest. There’s lighter green on the left side of her whereas dark green on her right.
Paintings by Michelangelo
The Last Judgement
The Crucifixion of St. Peter
