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The Sprigs and Spirit of Sistine -5

We are the Ignudi unclothed, ebullient and energetic, we lean and lunge, twist and turn impervious to the imposition of ignominious imposters, we are an expression of immortal youth the athletes and auditors of God's court unbound by banality or bashfulness we listen and leer at those who stare looking for secrets in this sacred ceiling, in our faces you'll see the feelings of primal awareness unadulterated by apprehension... J.A.B.

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Alesia Leach

Date: 5/18/2025 1:23:00 PM

Justin, this is a radiant burst of confidence and divine physicality--your Ignudi pulse with life, rebellion, and sacred purpose. “Athletes and auditors of God’s court” is such a striking line--majestic and defiant. You’ve captured the energy of Michelangelo’s forms while giving them voice, myth, and power. A hymn to youth eternal.

Justin Bordner
Date: 5/19/2025 2:16:00 PM

Yes Poetess, they definitely have minds of their own. They're kinda like the guardians of the great gallery...J.A.B.

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 9/19/2017 10:29:00 PM

Perfect, Justin! I love this high-spirited description of the art. "we listen and leer at those who stare looking for secrets in this sacred ceiling" I love that! You bring art and history to life in your fervent, perceptive and unique way. Always, Laura

Justin Bordner
Date: 9/21/2017 6:46:00 PM

The Ignudi, or the nudes that Michelangelo's genius created are all masterpiece portraits in and of themselves, and there are 20 on the ceiling. Art Historians believe that the ancient Belverdere Torso, a magnificent husk of a man's body missing it's head, legs, and arms, was Michelangelo's inspiration for all of them. The Ignudi are enigmatic in personality, as well as in form, many, contorting in ways that are nearly impossible yet they are anatomically precise. I considered composing verses and stanzas for each one, but decided to express their collective psyche instead Laura...J.A.B.