The artist who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is Michelangelo Buonarroti. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, the magnificent frescoes were completed between 1508 and 1512 and are considered one of the masterpieces of the High Renaissance. Michelangelo's work on the ceiling features a series of iconic scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the famous "Creation of Adam," where God reaches out to touch Adam's finger. The artwork showcases Michelangelo's exceptional skill in depicting human anatomy, expression, and emotion, as well as his innovative use of composition and color, making the Sistine Chapel a significant cultural and artistic landmark.