The Prophet Isaiah (Raphael) - Michaelangelo Influence

Michaelangelo Influence

Much comparison is made of the Raphael fresco Prophet Isaiah to the work of Michaelangelo, Ernst Gombrich going as far to suggest that Michaelangelo may have hired Raphael to work on Ezekiel for the Sistine Chapel, which he believes is much more reflective of Raphael than of Michaelangelo. This would have allowed Raphael to both gain influence by Michaelangelo and also contribute to a piece of work on the Sistine Chapel.

Within the Prophet of Isaiah, noted influences by Michaelangelo include:

• similarity of figural composition
• Isaiah is self-enclosed
• the manner in which the scroll is held, in a spiral formula as evolved by Michaelangelo

Legend has it that Corycius complained to Michaelangelo that he had been overcharged for the fresco, to which Michaelangelo responded, "the knee alone is worth the price."