Michelangelo's Women

How many have noticed that it is Eve, not Adam, who is the centerpiece of Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel ceiling? Or that for every male ancestor of Christ in the ceiling, Michelangelo painted a female one? What should we make of his powerful yet seductive Libyan Sibyl in her sheer skirt and unfastened corset? Michelangelo’s artistic audacity extended far beyond his heroic men to encompass an amazing cohort of authoritative, prophetic, nurturing, and active women. From his dynamic Madonna in the Doni Tondo to the weariness suggested in his statue Night, Michelangelo’s numerous varied representations of women always convey a profound and inherent dignity.

Art historian Elizabeth Lev looks at Michelangelo’s life and work to reveal how the Florentine Master turned the tables on old tropes and stereotypes in his portrayals of women in daring, innovative, and empowering imagery.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for online programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our online programs presented on Zoom.

*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.