Moses's Testament and Death

Luca Signorelli was a famous Italian Renaissance painter. He is best known for his fresco works and nude compositions. He was considered a master of foreshortening. Signorelli was a revered figure who had an incomparable grasp over the human anatomy. This can be best seen in his fresco works. Since he was a painter of the high Renaissance period, his works have all the characteristics of the 15th century artforms. As can be guessed from his multiple chapel frescos, he was a popular artist of the elite groups. Among all his paintings, the "Moses's Testament and Death" is part of the south wall of the Sistine Chapel. The fresco depicts a range of biblical episodes. We can see Moses sitting at the far right with his staff. Halo like golden rays surround his head. Here he is depicted to be hundred and twenty years old. At his feet is the ark of the covenant. Peeking out are the jar of mana and the two tables of law. In the centre, Moses is seen to be led by an angel to Mount Nebo from where he is supposed to see the Promised Land. At the foot of the mountain, he is shown present and finally we see the depictions of his death in the land of Moab. Thus the fresco work shows multiple different timelines in a single composition across various terrains. Owing to the high Renaissance painting style, Signarelli's figures are heavily rendered and muscular with contrasting colour palettes used for them. Rather than being static, the artist emphasizes dramatic story telling.