Prophet Isaiah

Prophet Isaiah

Artist: Michelangelo- Sistine Chapel

2011-08-16 15:10:07

Isaiah was a prophet of Judah whose words combined warnings of judgment with visions of hope. Michelangelo included him among the major witnesses surrounding Genesis, where the prophets’ messages extend the ceiling’s story toward the promised restoration of humanity.

Isaiah speaks of a child whose rule brings peace (Isaiah 9:6–7), a shoot from Jesse’s line (Isaiah 11:1–5), and a servant who bears the suffering of others (Isaiah 52:13–53:12). Christians understand these passages in light of Jesus, while Jewish interpretations differ on several of their referents.

Isaiah turns away from his book toward a small attendant figure. The movement catches the moment of a sudden thought or summons. Michelangelo balances a powerful body with an expression of alert concentration.