The Last Judgment Essay Example for Free

The Last Judgment Essay The painting of â€Å"The Last Judgment† by Michelangelo was a fresco which was executed between 1537 and 1541 at the behest of Pope Julius II who commissioned Michelangelo to perform the task. This scene is based on the passage in the Bible on what would happen when Christ would come again. Both the living and the dead, who would be raised then, will be judged by Christ and their fates would be determined if they are going to heaven or hell. The artwork was done on freshly spread lime plaster that was still moist with water-based pigments. Michelangelo’s palette developed highly embellished monochromatic work and the symmetry of his figures made it appear broader and more threatening, if not intimidating to the uninitiated, intended to evoke a sense of awe to anyone who would view it. This large, solid and heavy wall painting can be viewed behind the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and it took Michelangelo more than four years to complete this masterpiece which was a break from the usual sculptures he used to do where he had made outstanding works such as â€Å"David,† â€Å"Pieta† and â€Å"Moses† as he dabbled with the concept of mural painting which was probably the largest masterpiece he had ever done in his life as â€Å"The Last Judgment† formed part of the vast murals that adorn the walls of the chapel which is the Pope’s private chapel and at present, a place with significance as this is where Popes are chosen during conclaves and â€Å"The Last Judgment† is considered an appropriate artwork to adorn the altar of this historic chapel for such an occasion. The ideas and sense of appreciation from the painting itself depicts the individuality of every personality on the artwork. They each have varied deep explanations of every detail in the painting. Explanation is on the basis of their own experiences in relation to the painting and to themselves. Each dimension of this painting has its own perspective to present making it open to various interpretations. One’s eyes have to move from the center going up then look down after in analyzing overall the images then breaking it down to individual parts. The meticulous ones would be made to zoom in to see the every little detail, thinking whether it has connection or relevance with other images. The painting itself provides varied insights and explanations allowing for varied ways to comprehend the painting. For instance, the angels in the middle of the paintings are depicted blowing their trumpets to raise the dead, shown on the lower left-hand side of the painting, from their long deep slumber to prepare them for their appointment with God. Two of them, apparently the archangels Michael and Gabriel are seen holding the two books in which all has been written down about the individuals where Jesus will base his judgment. The smaller book contains the names of the ones to be saved while the larger one contains the names of the damned (Michelangelo; Ruehling). This is consistent to what is stated in the Gospel according to Matthew. A similar passage would be also stated in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 20:11-15): â€Å"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels in heaven, he will sit upon his royal throne, and all nations will be assembled before him. Then he will separate them into two groups, as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep he will place on his right hand, the goats on his left (Matt. 25:31-33). † On the left panel, the chosen ones situated on the right side of Christ, those who had been judged worthy are escorted to heaven by the angels where they would live eternal bliss with the Almighty. The right panel, on the left of Christ shows the damned, the ones deemed unworthy and proven to now have repented their sins, are being led to hell where they would suffer eternal damnation (Michelangelo). Besides the Bible, Michelangelo got his inspiration for making his artwork from Dante Alighieri’s â€Å"Inferno† as it provided him with graphic detail or has enabled him to â€Å"flesh out† the scenes he would be depicting. In addition, he added personalities and characters from Greek and Roman mythology as part of his â€Å"fleshing out† of the scenes (Barnes 1). One would be able to recognize Charon (holding an oar), the ferryman of Hades of the Greek mythology as he and his minions are seen leading the damned to be judged before Minos found at the extreme lower right-hand corner with a snake wrapped around his body. Minos is another figure in Greek mythology where he was the king of Crete but in this case and using artistic license, Michelangelo depicts the Cretan king as the ruler of hell instead of using Hades or Satan. Jesus is situated in the middle, befitting his stature as the King of Kings with his mother Mary at His side. The two large figures flanking Christ are the disciples Saints John the Baptist on the left and Peter on the right, depicted with keys of heaven in his hand. The figure underneath and further right of Jesus is another disciple Saint Bartholomew, whose image is a self-portrait by Michelangelo himself. Also included are most of the saints who were martyred. They are seen in the painting holding the instruments of their martyrdom such as Saint Sebastian holding arrows used to kill him; Saint Blaise, holding iron combs used to torture him to death and Saint Bartholomew holding his skin, underscoring how he was flayed (skinned alive) to death by his tormentors (Michelangelo). Above the lunettes are symbols of the Passion of Christ which are the cross, the crown of thorns, the pillar where Jesus was bound and scourged, the spear that was used by Longinus to stab his side, and the sponge dipped in vinegar and hyssop used to sate Christ’s thirst while hanging on the cross. In terms of scale, technique and drama â€Å"The Last Judgment† is an absolute highlight of Renaissance painting as one can see the humanist approach taken by Michelangelo that showed a return to the classical style of Greco-Roman influence and a complete departure from the medieval style which was formless and lacking depth. Originally, most of the images were depicted in the nude but owing to the sanctity of the place, a certain degree of modesty and decency was exercised and it fell upon Michelangelo’s assistant, Daniele de Volterra to â€Å"edit† the painting by covering the private parts in such a way that it did not compromise the intention of his mentor to depict the well-proportioned bodies of his subjects (Barnes 88). Jesus Christ: Physically, Michelangelo depicted Christ with broad, powerful proportions, appearing in a radiant glow of divine light befitting His place as the Son of God and King of Kings. Michelangelo further accentuated this radiance by painting the figure in a section that is best illuminated by the chapels window for â€Å"special effect. † Christ is portrayed barely clothed and bare-legged instead of being majestic as one would expect in his Second Coming, wearing only a long strip of cloth across his loins in a manner in order to reveal the wounds of his crucifixion – the puncture wounds on his hands and feet where the nails were driven and the wound on his side where the spear was thrust. These not only emphasize his passion as well but also resonates images of his resurrection, proving once and for all that he had conquered death and has redeemed mankind from the wages of sin and thereby emphasizing his undisputed position as the ultimate judge of mankind (Ruehring). Despite the rather â€Å"modest† image of Christ, Michelangelo still managed to evoke a powerful image of Jesus as final judgment is being carried out without fear or reservation in order to justly and ultimately determine who deserves to be punished and committed to hell. Michelangelo depicted Christ in such a way to express the righteous anger of promptness and firmness in passing judgment towards the individual, further reminding one of the fate that awaits when that time really comes. The painting also depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary seated beside Christ. Mary is regarded by Catholics as a great intercessor for anyone seeking solace or succor in times of trouble. In this particular case, she appears to be downcast as her head appears to turn away as a sign of resignation which implies that she could no longer intercede for anyone at this point in time and can only be a spectator witnessing the judgment of mankind (Michelangelo; Ruehring). Minos: At the lower right-hand corner of The Last Judgment is Minos, whom Michelangelo depicts as the king of hell instead of Satan. It can be inferred here that Michelangelo employed artistic license in using a different character to be the ruler of hell and he drew his inspiration from Dante’s work â€Å"Inferno† where Minos is depicted as the king of hell (Alighieri 23,75). He is shown with a serpent wound tightly around him, symbolizing the circle of hell. Michelangelo’s physical depiction of Minos also served for him as a stinging caricature against his enemy Biagio da Cesena, then the Pope’s chamberlain, as a way of getting back at him for saying his painting was not worthy to adorn the walls of the Vatican despite the commission from the Pope. Michelangelo’s spite was very evident as he tried to depict Minos in the most hideous way possible complete with asss ears and a serpent striking his genitalia as a form of â€Å"revenge† against his nemesis whom he could not physically harm owing to his stature in the Vatican (Ruehring). Charon: Michelangelo borrowed another character from Dante’s work and Greek mythology in Charon, the boatman who ferries the souls of the dead across the River Styx leading to Hades though in this case, it is hell. Physically, Charon is depicted hideously with dark skin, thick dark hair, pointed ears, bulging and glowing eyes, giving him a devil-like appearance, short of depicting him as an actual demon. He is depicted herding the darkly gaunt and tortured souls as they spill upon the shores of hell. Michelangelo has truly captured Charon as an agent of hell in this painting and seamlessly combining classical (Greek) mythology with Christianity to come up with a very strong image (Barnes 108, 113). All in all, â€Å"The Last Judgment† can be truly be called a masterpiece by Michelangelo. He had done justice to the work and in a way, rendered great service to the Church by blending horrors and beauty; of condemnation and redemption, all these wonderfully captured in his painting. Works Cited Alighieri, Dante. Inferno. London: Smith, Elder and Company, 1865. Barnes, Bernadine. Michelangelos Last Judgment: The Renaissance Response. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1998. Michelangelo. The Last Judgment. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. Ruehring, Lauren Mitchell. Michelangelos Last Judgment. 2010. How Stuff Works. 12 May 2010 http://entertainment. howstuffworks. com/arts/artwork/michelangelos-last-judgment6. htm. The New American Bible. Camden, New Jersey: Catholic Publishers, Inc. , 1970.

Pre-existing Knowledge Essay -- Scientific Research

‘It is more important to discover new ways of thinking about what is already known than to discover new data or facts’. To what extent would you agree with this claim? Albert Einstein said, â€Å"We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.† This new manner of thinking should be based on pre-existing knowledge. This pre-existing knowledge is necessary because it is the catalyst that pushes the human race forward, making us want to discover more. Trying to discover completely new knowledge would not yield the same results. Basing your research off what you already know allows you to compare the new data that you collected to the old data that is already present. If you discover something new you will have nothing to compare it with. This does not allow you the luxury of seeing if what you discovered was an improvement. This essay will examine how important it is to discover new ways of thinking about prior knowledge than it is to discover new facts. I believe that using prior knowledge to push discovery is much more important than trying to discovers new data or facts. Medicine is one area that constantly looks to use prior knowledge to discover new things. Take the HeLa cells for instance. The initial discover of these cells occurred in 1951. These cells came from a black woman named Henrietta Lacks. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer. He doctor took a segment of her tumor and sent it to Dr. George Otto Grey, who was the first scientist to successfully grow human cells in a culture. These cells would go on to be used in research for cloning, the polio vaccine, gene mapping and in virto fertilization. These cells were important to science because no scientist had an endless supply of cells ... ...n can be affected by the quest to discover something new. In some cases it can lead to betterment, but in other cases it can cause many problems. Works Cited Zielinski, Sarah. "Smithsonian.com." Smithsonian Magazine. 22 Jan. 2010. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/Henrietta-Lacks-Immortal-Cells.html Freeman, David H. "The Triumph of New-Age Medicine." The Atlantic. 2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. . "The Big Bang." PBS. PBS. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. . â€Å"The Steady State Theory.† PBS. PBS. Web. 27 Feb.2012.. "Plato's Cave." My Webspace Files. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. .

ADVANCED TRAINING METHODS

Advanced training methods are generally the contemporary training methods that are being applied in fitness training; some others authors have called them scientific methods of training basing that the results of the advanced methods of training are observable and a clear development of changes in the trainee can be easily observed.The major advanced training methods include: supersets, Forced reps, Pyramid system and finally Periodization technique. A superset basically involves a more rigorous training method that do not allow for relaxation in between the sets. Forced reps equally involve performing repetitive actions when the trainee has reached concentric and exhausted through the help of the trainer.Pyramid system also encompasses developing the muscles through the addition of more weights in a varied manner incorporating both the volume and intensity while the other method which is the periodization employs a more planed training with the time available for training being appo rtioned evenly to ensure better development of strength and muscles and also controlling if not eradicating over training.Important to note that before any of the above methods are used in training a proper understanding of each is paramount for effective and avoiding simple injuries that may also result due to over training.A proper audit of ones health is equally important to ascertain that the trainer is not suffering from any medical complication that may be increased by the trainings that at time may be intense.Its only when all these are met that one can apply the above training methods and have remarkable results to boost of from the training, since ignoring the medical concern would basically be suicidal.IntroductionIn today’s contemporary world many people have taken up training in an attempt to improve their physical fitness or just take it up as a career or sport like the body builders. Weight and resistance methods of training have become more popular with many pe ople.These methods basically uses weight stuck as well as elastic resistance to help flex the muscles, by employing various training methods like super sets, forced reps, pyramid systems and periodization.This essay thus seeks to discuss and distinguish the above advanced training methods drawing the pros and cons of each method and their applicability, in order to provide a better understanding of each.Supersets are basically one of the advanced training methods that involve performing two exercises in a row without any rest or relaxation between the two sets. Supersets are basically body building method unlike other conventional methods like straight sets.The lack of rest in between the sets, poses a major disadvantage for this method in that it cannot be used effectively in building and developing power or strength. ( Venuto, 2008) the inability to develop power or strength comes as a result of the fact that the method does not allow for time for rest, thus this reduces the amoun t of weight that one can handle with the trainees strength declining with every additional supersetBorrowing from the saying that every coin has got two sides, supersets have got numerous advantages as well in that they help save time considerably, in that no much time is spent n relaxation in between the sets. Supersets just as the forced reps also help in increasing intensity of training that in the long run would enable the trainee develop muscles faster.According to (Venuto, 2008) Supersets also help in reducing injuries while training. This is due to the fact that the sets are continuous; the muscles get overloaded and thus generate higher intensity without necessarily having to increase the weights.In addition it important to explain the three major categories of supersets which include: same muscle group supersets which involve combining different exercises for a given muscle, the second type of superset is the Antagonistic muscle groups that derived its name from the antagon istic effect that results from pairing the two muscles enabling one to rest as the other is workig.Ffinally the last category of supersets is the staggered sets which involve combining unrelated muscles with minor and major muscles thus training continuously. (Venuto, 2008)The other method of advanced training is the periodization method which can be described as the changing of volume and intensity in a phased manner to stimulate gains and give room for recovery. Under this method the volume of training equipment is reduced during training while on the other hand the intensity is increased.(Cipriani,1997)further stipulates that periodization has the advantage of bringing variations in the training that elevates development of   more strength and muscles, while at the same time helping in controlling if not eradicating over training.Periodization basically helps bring planning into training for bodybuilders in that one would be able to properly allocate his training time evenly th ought the period available for instance one year thus avoiding the temptation of training all through that is always brought by the desire to achieve fast results.Periodization thus ensures balance in training allowing for both intensive and low training that balances well with the body that needs rest after an intensive phase thus reverting to less intensive training-low phase. (Cipriani, 1997)In order to accrue the full benefits of periodization a bodybuilder must be patient and self disciplined to follow the plan or schedule of training. It’s recommended that body builders basically need to use an approximate period of 1 year with the first half being the progressive resistance phase.As the name implies the trainee should start with light weights in the early periods of the phase and progressively or gradually add on weight until he/she reaches the current maximum weight after which the increase in reps would come weekly incorporated with rest intervals in between the sets . (Cipriani, 1997)  This brings out one major difference between periodization and supersets in that where as supersets do not allow for relaxation the former does and is more planned than the latter.The other method of advanced training method is the pyramid training method that operates under the principle of developing the muscles by increasing the amount of muscular contraction when performing the various sets in an exercise. In this method the weight is varied over different sets for instance five sets of 14, 12, 8, 12 and 14 reps would involve performing the first two sets with light to gradually medium weight as a warm up to the muscles.The work set which is also the middle set would involve the use of the heaviest weight to affirm the muscles with the drop sets which are lighter being used to fatigue the muscles further.(Delavier,2001) This system thus incorporates both the volume and intensity and thus popular with body builders.The major disadvantage with this technique is its inflexibility of use by different levels of bodybuilders in that with a full pyramid the weights may be too much for a starter to handle.Equally another advance training method is the Forced reps which are repetitions performed after a muscle failure and the trainee feels exhausted and cannot hold up the weight any more or perform any other repetition effectively. At this juncture the trainers always assist by helping in spotting the trainee.The major advantage of this method is that with good exercises forced reps can actually be performed without necessarily having   a spotter or training partner for instance with one arm having strong   bicep curls the remaining arm can as well be used in helping the arm that is being trained.(Hatfield,1993)ConclusionHaving distinguished and discussed the major advanced training methods in detail, it’s also important to conclude by highlighting the benefits of training in general in that today’s world is characterized by more and more people getting treatments for problems they would keep at bay by just remaining fit through training and eating well, Training basically helps develop strong muscular strength, appearance as well as improving ones breathing process.Thus being an important aspect of human life.Body metabolic rate on the other hand increases with the increase in muscular mass, which helps in burning fat thus preventing obesity. (Runacres, 2000)Weight training also guarantees other benefits in that constant training enhances good posture and in the process reducing injuries that always occur from everyday’s activities.All this said than done, proper training cannot work in isolation .It basically has to be coupled up with good nutrition, where in this case good nutrition meaning a balanced diet with a bias in proteins   and carbohydrates to help develop the body cells and provide sufficient energy respectively.In my opinion I would recommend that the trainees follow the trainerâ €™s instructions in order to achieve results in the various training methods being used to be successful.References:Cipriani, J. (2007) Periodization. Retrieved on 11th September 2008, fromhttp://www.jimcipriani.com/article-periodization.htmlDelavier, F. (2001)   Strength training anatomy, human kinetic publishers.Hatfield, F. (1993) Hardcore body building: scientific approach, Mc Graw-hillRunacres,A.(2000)Advanced training strategies. Retrieved on, 11th September. Fromhttp://www.wabba.co.uk/upload/advanced_training_stratergies-31-july-00pdfVenuto,T,(2008)How to build more muscles in less time with supersets. Retrieved  September 10th 2008 from: http://www.fitfaq.com/supersets.html

The Dark Themes of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula

The concerns of Victorian England about the status of faith and manhood have left a deep mark in the literature of the period. The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula are good examples of this concern. In both books there is an emphasis in the corruption of the body and of the soul as maladies that haunt the greatness of England. The aristocracy is pointed as the social strata from where this decadence will spread. These books show a population of youth that lacks the guidance of parents and are apparently deprived of fertility as a consequence of the disorientation that reigns among them. This corruption is shown in conjunction with a lack of religious faith and an excess of sin that will result in the transference of England to the†¦show more content†¦She has man’s brain – a brain that a man should have should have were he much gifted – and a woman’s heart.† In The Picture of Dorian Gray, masculinity is defined by character, nobility, reputation and appearance. It is notable that Dorian, the icon of corruption and decadence in the novel, is able to retain his respectability as long as his good name is not tarnished, his reputation being sheltered by the unchanging face of adolescent innocence and purity. This unchanging beauty and the belief that sin writes itself in the face, keep Dorian safe from suspicion. Manhood is also defined by heterosexuality, since an evidence of homosexuality would tarnish the respectability and the good name of an individual. Now that masculinity has being defined, it is possible to demonstrate how these books expose the belief that England is suffering from a decadence of its leadership and, as a result, of its moral values. The metaphors of the corruption of England are clearly presented by both authors. The arrival of Dracula, a foreign threat, to England is accompanied by the worst storm in a century. A dark mist that obliterates the light of day comes over and, when it dissipates, the count’s ship is already at the port. This obscurity is the absence of God’s light. The process of corruption has begun and it starts fromShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Gothic Genre and What it Entails6177 Words   |  25 Pages Maturin (1820). (For example William Godwins Caleb Williams (1794)had an overt political message intended to expose the inadequacy of Things as they are). During the development of the Gothic the motifs become less cliched and the themes more pertinent. Romantic Gothic provided the vocabulary to express social anxieties of the time. In The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner Hogg used the conventions of historical Gothic to discuss the politicalRead MoreVictorian Novel9605 Words   |  39 Pagesportion of travelling. Even libraries, like those of Edward Mudie and W.H. Smith, thanks to the railways could send different forms of literature to provinces and overseas. Changes in the industry and society were equal to the changes in the novel. Themes like sea adventures after Napoleonic Wars, concerns with Ireland, rural people, nostalgia for country in urban England, fashionable London life, appeared in the novels of Frederick Marryat, William Carleton, Samuel Lower, Robert Surtees, Mrs Gore