Question

What "preservation controversy" developed over the
years relating to Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine
Chapel?

Well-meaning conservators actually damaged the works

too much sunlight caused the painting to fade

No one could see the work because the chapel was off limits to visitors.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The "preservation controversy" surrounding Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine Chapel primarily revolves around the restoration efforts undertaken in the 1990s. Well-meaning conservators aimed to clean and restore the frescoes, which had accumulated centuries of grime, soot, and candle wax. However, the cleaning process drew criticism because some argued that it resulted in the loss of original details and colors, making the frescoes appear brighter and more vivid, but also different from how they had historically appeared.

Thus, the correct answer is that well-meaning conservators actually damaged the works. This sparked a significant debate within the art conservation community and raised questions about the ethics and methods of restoration. The other options you provided (sunlight fading and chapel accessibility) are not the central issues related to the preservation controversy.