Altar of Jucio Universal (1535-41)

The Altar of Jucio Universal, also known as the Universal Judgment, is a magnificent fresco located in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Created by the legendary artist Michelangelo between 1535 and 1541, this masterpiece is considered one of the greatest works of art in history. Commissioned by Pope Clement VII and later confirmed by his successor Paul III, the fresco depicts a powerful and dramatic scene of the second coming of Christ at the end of time.

Michelangelo's vision for the Universal Judgment expands beyond the physical space of the Chapel, inviting visitors to peer into a second reality where the fate of humanity is decided. The fresco features 399 naked figures spread across the entire wall, representing the saved and the condemned. In the central part of the composition, Jesus the Judge is depicted with his right hand raised upward towards the saved and his left hand pointing downward towards the damned. His Mother Mary stands by his side, surrounded by a celestial choir resembling a solar system.

The intricate details of the Universal Judgment are inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, with various saints and angels depicted throughout the scene. The composition is rich in symbolism, with each figure representing a different aspect of Christian theology. Among the infernal characters, one can spot Judge Minos and the infamous Biagio da Cesena, who was immortalized as a demon with donkey ears for criticizing Michelangelo.

Despite its initial acclaim, the fresco faced controversy in later years, with Michelangelo being accused of heresy. In an effort to save the masterpiece from destruction, his student Daniele da Volterra covered the nudes with painted "panties," earning himself the nickname "El Braghettone" or the painter of underwear. This act of censorship sparked debates about artistic freedom and the role of art in society.

Today, the Altar of Jucio Universal continues to captivate visitors with its stunning beauty and profound symbolism. As a key attraction in the Sistine Chapel, it serves as a testament to Michelangelo's unparalleled talent and creativity. The fresco's intricate details and powerful imagery make it a must-see for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a glimpse into the artist's visionary interpretation of divine judgment and salvation.

It is Michelangelo's most controversial fresco.

In 1535, Pope Paul III commissioned Michelangelo to paint the fresco that had never been created. To achieve this, the artist had to paint over other frescoes by Perugino that were already in place, an action that made him the subject of numerous criticisms.

In 1564 the decision was made to have some of the naked figures of the Judgment covered, considered "obscene." The commission to paint covering elements, the so-called "panties", was given to Daniele de Volterra, since then known as the "braghettone" (panty-wearer).

It is said that one of the great critics of the work, the papal master of ceremonies, Biaggio of Cesena had his punishment: in the lower right part of the scene, at the entrance to hell, Michelangelo used his facial features to represent Minos, the king of Hell, naked, with donkey ears, a snake coiled around his body.