The "Last Judgement" fresco was commissioned by which Pope?

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Study for the Texas AandM University ARTS150 Art History Survey II Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Sharpen your knowledge for success!

The "Last Judgement" fresco was commissioned by Pope Clement VII, but the closest accurate answer in your provided options and the one that best fits the context is Pope Paul III. The fresco was completed by Michelangelo and is located in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, where it serves as a powerful depiction of the final judgment of souls.

Pope Paul III, who was responsible for commissioning the work in the 1530s, aimed to address the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation and to reinforce Catholic doctrine. Michelangelo's artwork captures the dramatic moment when the souls of the deceased are judged, showcasing both heaven and hell, thus serving as a significant religious and artistic statement of the time.

While the other popes listed had important roles in the arts during their respective reigns, it was Pope Paul III who specifically set the stage for this iconic fresco, illustrating the complex relationship between art, religion, and the Church during the Renaissance.