The Sacrifice of Noah

The Sacrifice of Noah depicts Noah offering thanks to God after the Flood, one of the earlier scenes Michelangelo painted on the ceiling. Art historians have noted that the figures in these early panels are smaller and more numerous than those in the later, more monumental compositions, reflecting Michelangelo’s growing confidence with the enormous project. Characteristic of Michelangelo's approach, the work displays Herculean anatomy, terribilità, sculptural conception of painting, non-finito technique.

The sacrificial scene groups multiple figures around an altar in a composition derived from classical relief sculpture. Michelangelo’s anatomical mastery is evident in the varied poses of the participants.