Although the Sistine Chapel ceiling is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art, Michelangelo actually didn't want the job. He considered himself a sculptor, not a painter, and was busy working on the tomb of Pope Julius II when the Pope insisted he paint the chapel ceiling. Michelangelo suspected his rivals, including Raphael, had suggested him for the task hoping he would fail publicly. He spent four grueling years (1508–1512) on scaffolding, painting mostly while standing up and leaning back, which caused him permanent neck and back pain. He even wrote a poem about his physical misery during the project. The result, featuring over 300 figures and the iconic 'Creation of Adam,' redefined the possibilities of fresco painting and human anatomy in art.