“The Prophet Daniel,” a fresco by Michelangelo created in 1511, belongs to the High Renaissance art movement and is part of the Sistine Chapel Paintings series. The artwork, spanning dimensions of 395 x 380 cm, is a religious painting located in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican.
In the artwork, we observe the Prophet Daniel seated in a somewhat contemplative pose, holding an open book with both hands, one of which supports a child angel or putto climbing upon the book. Daniel is rendered in rich, deep hues characteristic of Michelangelo’s mastery in fresco painting. His flowing garments, painted with vibrant greens, purples, and yellows, contribute to a dynamic composition, creating a sense of movement and weight. Surrounding Daniel are sculpted figures and architectural elements highlighted in the background, echoing the grandeur of the Chapel itself. The artist’s attention to anatomical precision and emotional depth vividly brings to life this revered biblical figure.
