Sistine Chapel's Secrets

Doliner and Blech claim that Michelangelo was furious at Pope Julius II because he ordered him to put his sculpture career on hold. They point to the fresco of the Prophet Zachariah, who they believe is a likeness of the pope. Could Michelangelo have been so angry with Julius that he would paint an obscene hand gesture into this panel?

Blech said one of the putti is doing the Renaissance equivalent of giving the pope's portrait "the finger."

"This is actually Julius II," said Blech. "Behind him are little 'putti,' little angels." "There's no doubt about it, this little putti, this beautiful little angel, is giving the finger to not Zachariah, but to Pope Julius."

Other experts disagree ... (Michelangelo Buonarroti/The Bridgeman Art Library /Getty Images)