Restoration of the Sistine Chapel frescoes: before and after

Mouse over or click on individual paintings to toggle between before and after views.

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More info about the restoration on Wikipedia

The Fall and Expulsion of Adam and Eve (1509–1510)

The Prophet Daniel (1508–1512)

Jesse spandrel (1508-1511)

An example of unintended damage caused by restoration techniques. Details originally painted to dry fresco (a secco) have been lost, while details have been preserved if they were originally applied while the fresco was still wet (buon fresco).

The Creation of the Sun, Moon and Vegetation (1511)

The Creation of Adam (1511–1512)

Charon, gatekeeper of the river Styx

From Dante, part of The Last Judgment (1536-41)

The restoration returned many figures to their original state, with the removal of drapery, branches, and fig leafs that were added after the original completion of the painting by Michelangelo.

Here you can see the removal of drapery around the figures' waists.

Note: part of a crucifix and candles are in front of the painting in the "after" view.