Dome Frescoes: The Last Judgment Decoded

The dome interior is a cosmic stage. Vasari began the program; Zuccari continued it — together they wrap the city’s conscience in paint.

Reading the Fresco

• Circles and segments: order within awe.
• Angels with trumpets: sound rendered as sight.
• Saved and damned: moral narratives expressed in gesture and gaze.

Tip: A small light‑meter app helps choose exposure without flash.

Conservation Notes

• Frescoes require careful climate control.
• Restoration alternates between cleaning and structural observation.
• Respect barriers; do not touch surfaces.

Scene Breakdown (Guide)

• Apex: heavenly court.
• Bands: saints, narratives, moral exempla.
• Lower: the dramatic contrasts of saved and damned.

Technique

• Fresco painting on curved surfaces.
• Scaffolding strategies and pacing.
• Color and light choices for visibility at distance.

FAQ

• Q: Who finished the program?
  A: Zuccari continued after Vasari; attribution blends across repairs.
• Q: Can I see brushwork details?
  A: Some; climb galleries offer proximity, but respect barriers.

Bottom line: The fresco isn’t a picture; it’s a city looking at itself.