the ceiling of the sistine chapel contains over ____ biblical figures
Sistine Chapel ceiling The scheme proposed by the pope was for twelve large figures of the Apostles to occupy the pendentives.[10][11] However, Michelangelo negotiated for a grander, much more complex scheme and was finally permitted, in his own words, "to do as I liked".[12] His scheme for the ceiling eventually comprised some three hundred figures and took four years to execute, being completed and shown to the public on All Saints Day in 1512 after a preliminary showing and papal Mass on August 14, 1511.[5][9] It is unknown and is the subject of much speculation among art historians whether Michelangelo was really able to "do as he liked".[11] It has been suggested that the Augustinian friar and cardinal, Giles of Viterbo, was a consultant for the theological aspect of the work.[13] Many writers consider that Michelangelo had the intellect, the Biblical knowledge, and the powers of invention to have devised the scheme himself. This is supported by Ascanio Condivi's statement that Michelangelo read and reread the Old Testament while he was painting the ceiling, drawing his inspiration from the words of the scripture, rather than from the established traditions of sacral art.[14] A total of 343 figures were painted on the ceiling.