ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Arte documentary reveals Vatican censorship of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel nudes

publication · 2026-05-24

A new Arte documentary by Frédéric Biamonti, airing in 2026, uncovers the history of censorship of Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" fresco in the Sistine Chapel. Completed in 1541, the masterpiece was censored by the Catholic Church, which ordered the covering of nude figures. The documentary coincides with the latest restoration of the fresco in 2026.

Key facts

  • Documentary by Frédéric Biamonti
  • Airs on Arte in 2026
  • Focuses on censorship of Michelangelo's 'Last Judgment'
  • Fresco completed in 1541
  • Catholic Church ordered covering of nudes
  • Last restoration of the fresco occurs in 2026

Entities

Artists

  • Michelangelo

Institutions

  • Arte
  • Catholic Church
  • Vatican

Locations

  • Sistine Chapel
  • Vatican City

Sources