The film begins in documentary style, telling about the work of Michelangelo Buonarroti. The film then shows Michelangelo, the famous sculptor of the Florentine Republic of the early 16th century, at work on large-scale sculptures near St. Peters Basilica. When Pope Julius II commissioned him to paint the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo resisted because he did not find painting the ceiling with the images of the twelve apostles an inspiring process. Nevertheless, he is forced to get to work. During the first attempt, Michelangelo is disappointed in the results and destroys the frescoes. The sculptor flees to Carrara, and then to the mountains, where he draws inspiration from nature.
Eventually, Michelangelo returns and is allowed to paint the entire vault in various newly designed biblical scenes. The work continues non-stop, even with Mass, as the months turn into years. Michelangelos work is in jeopardy when he falls ill due to exhaustion. He is cared for by Contessina de Medici, the daughter of his first patron, Lorenzo de Medici. After recovering, Michelangelo returns to work, having learned that he can be replaced in this work by Raphael.