“The Ancestors of Christ: Rehoboam, Abijah” is a renowned fresco created by Michelangelo in 1512, exemplifying the High Renaissance art movement. The artwork measures 215 x 430 cm and forms part of the illustrious Sistine Chapel Paintings series. It is a religious painting located in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican.
The artwork portrays two significant Biblical figures, Rehoboam and Abijah, depicted on either side of a decorative plaque bearing their names. Michelangelo’s masterful use of fresco technique is evident in the lifelike quality and deep expressiveness of the figures. On the left side of the fresco sits Rehoboam, draped in a red and green garment, resting in a contemplative pose. On the right side, Abijah is depicted in a dynamic posture, leaning forward with intensity. The central panel between them adds a formal element to the composition, reinforcing the solemnity and historical significance of these ancestors. The intricate details and harmonious composition highlight Michelangelo’s unparalleled skill and the grandeur of the High Renaissance period.
