As we walked the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it became very clear to me that I knew nothing about art. If I’m being completely honest, at first glance I couldn’t tell the difference between the Rodin and Michelangelo sculptures beyond the room they were in and that they were both beautiful. However, when I looked closely enough, I saw that it was these subtle differences that made them so unique. Specifically, with both artist’s portrayal of Adam, it is apparent to see Michelangelo’s influence in Rodin’s art as both depictions share similar physical characteristics. These include the striking male physique that was created by Michelangelo and carried on by Rodin as well as the curly hair and similar bone structure in the face. Although Michelangelo’s fresco is painted, and Rodin’s Adam is a statue made of marble, even someone as unskilled as me can note these similarities.  The most striking similarity is both Adam’s hands. Each hand is carefully crafted in the same pointing position. Michelangelo’s is toward God, while Rodin’s is to the ground. This is significant because it made me look more closely at the expressions on each of the Adams. Michelangelo’s Adam is curious and inquisitive, reaching toward God. On the other hand, Rodin’s Adam is anguished and appears to be in pain. Perhaps his reaching to the ground is after God punished him and kicked him out of Eden. This would explain Rodin’s portrayal of Adam’s misery in contrast with Michelangelo’s curiosity for life and God.