MICHELANGELO Buonarroti
(b. 1475, Caprese, d. 1564, Roma)

Medallion

1511
Fresco, diameter c. 135 cm
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

The subject of the scene painted on the bronze-coloured medallion in the fifth bay, above the Cumaean Sibyl, is a matter of debate. It is either David before the Prophet Nathan, or Alexander before the High Priest of Jerusalem. The soldier at left was made by 'al secco' technique. The execution of the medallion is attributed to Aristotile da Sangallo.