In a new book about Michelangelo, that I sure got some panties in a bunch, says that all the nude male figures in one of the most famous pieces of artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was inspired by bathhouses and brothels.
"Elena Lazzarini, a researcher from Pisa University, believes the enormous fresco is replete with homosexual imagery, including a man being dragged into Damnation by his testicles and kisses and embraces between male figures. She has explored the theory in a new book, claiming that Michelangelo drew much of his knowledge of male anatomy from his frequent visits to gay brothels and 'Turkish baths' in 16th century Italy. "The virile male bodies are inspired by the physiology of labourers engaged in physical exertion, with taut muscles, strenuous exertion and pain etched into the expression on their faces," said Miss Lazzarini. Michelangelo's explicit depiction of naked male bodies caused outrage in the Roman Catholic Church when the fresco was unveiled, with the artist accused of indecency and obscenity. Biagio da Cesena, the papal master of ceremonies, said the fresco was more suited to "public baths and taverns" than to a place of worship."
Antonio Paolucci, the director of the Vatican Museums, said Lazzarini's theory was no cause for embarrassment to the Holy See. "It's entirely possible and it changes nothing," he said. "Michelangelo studied the human form everywhere, including in hospitals. And that passion for the human body, particularly male, remains unchanged. If there was any embarrassment it was at the time, not now."
