Final answer:
Michelangelo is the artist who painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, starting his work in 1508. He designed special scaffolding to manage the over 20-meter-high ceiling, creating some of the most famous frescoes in the art world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artist who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is Michelangelo. Despite Michelangelo's own reservations about painting, he knew he had to undertake the task or face the pope's displeasure. The ceiling's height is over 20 meters, which required Michelangelo to design specialized scaffolding for the arduous work of painting the frescos, which he started in 1508. The ceiling features iconic frescoes, including "The Creation of Adam" and is known for its intricate details and vast scale. The restoration process in the late 20th century helped to clean and repair the ceiling frescoes, restoring their former glory and emphasizing the artistic legacy of Michelangelo.