Michelangelo took about four years to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He started the work in 1508 and completed it in 1512. The project involved painting over 300 figures and scenes from the Book of Genesis, covering approximately 500 square meters of the chapel's vault. Despite being primarily a sculptor, Michelangelo mastered the fresco technique required for this monumental task, working under challenging conditions and overcoming technical difficulties. The ceiling was unveiled to the public on October 31, 1512, marking the completion of this iconic masterpiece of the High Renaissance