In the context of this artwork, explore the Twelve prophetic figures of the Pictorial scheme.
On the five pendentives along each side and the two at either end, Michelangelo painted the largest figures on the ceiling: twelve people who prophesied a Messiah. These twelve are seven male prophets of Israel and five Sibyls, prophetesses of classical mythology. Jonah is placed above the altar and Zechariah at the opposite end. The other five Prophets and Sibyls alternate down each long side, each being identified by an inscription on a painted marble tablet supported by a putto.
Jonah (IONAS) – above the altar
Jeremiah (HIEREMIAS)
Persian Sibyl (PERSICHA)
Ezekiel (EZECHIEL)
Erythraean Sibyl (ERITHRAEA)
Joel (IOEL)
Zechariah (ZACHERIAS) – above the main door of the chapel
Delphic Sibyl (DELPHICA)
Isaiah (ESAIAS)
Cumaean Sibyl (CVMAEA)
Daniel (DANIEL)
Libyan Sibyl (LIBICA)
Sibyl Messiah Daniel Delphic Sibyl fig Persian Sibyl Jonah Erythraean Sibyl angel altar Ezekiel pendentive Zechariah classical mythology Cumaean Sibyl Prophet putto Jeremiah Libyan Sibyl Joel Isaiah Michelangelo