Letter to the Editor on: A. G. Nerlich, J. C. Dewaal, A. Perciaccante, S. Di Cosimo, L. Cortesi, J. Wimmer, S. T. Donnell, R, Bianucci: Did Michelangelo paint a young adult woman with breast cancer in “The Flood” (Sistine Chapel, Rome)? Breast 2024, 78, 103823

P. Gelinsky

doi:10.1016/j.breast.2026.104755

March 1, 2026The BreastOpen Access

Letter to the Editor on: A. G. Nerlich, J. C. Dewaal, A. Perciaccante, S. Di Cosimo, L. Cortesi, J. Wimmer, S. T. Donnell, R, Bianucci: Did Michelangelo paint a young adult woman with breast cancer in “The Flood” (Sistine Chapel, Rome)? Breast 2024, 78, 103823

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Key Points

The analysis aims to explore whether Michelangelo depicted signs of breast cancer in a female figure in his mural, The Flood.
Visual analysis of the fresco's female figure.
Assessment of the characteristics of the bared right breast.
Interpretation of anatomical features in relation to breast cancer.
Identified inharmonious protrusions and depressions on the breast.
Noted abnormal features particularly around the nipple.
Interpreted the findings as potential indicators of breast cancer.

Ask about this paper

Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.

Implication

Analysis of a fresco suggests a depiction of breast cancer in a female figure by Michelangelo.

Abstract

In “The Flood,” frescoed by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Nerlich et al. (1) describe a female figure whose bared right breast shows inharmonious protrusions and depressions, markedly in the nipple region. The authors interpret this finding as a manifestation of breast cancer.

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Cite This Study

P. Gelinsky (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69be38ca6e48c4981c67973e https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2026.104755

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Letter to the Editor on: A. G. Nerlich, J. C. Dewaal, A. Perciaccante, S. Di Cosimo, L. Cortesi, J. Wimmer, S. T. Donnell, R, Bianucci: Did Michelangelo paint a young adult woman with breast cancer in “The Flood” (Sistine Chapel, Rome)? Breast 2024, 78, 103823

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Letter to the Editor on: A. G. Nerlich, J. C. Dewaal, A. Perciaccante, S. Di Cosimo, L. Cortesi, J. Wimmer, S. T. Donnell, R, Bianucci: Did Michelangelo paint a young adult woman with breast cancer in “The Flood” (Sistine Chapel, Rome)? Breast 2024, 78, 103823

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Keep reading

Keep reading