The largely polemical criticism of the restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes concerns the newly revealed colors, which at first glance do seem surprisingly bright. But after closer examination of the painting method and consultation of relevant sources, there is no question about the artist's identity. The investigation of Michelangelo's painting method shows that it was in the tradition of his time. The colors were freshened up for the first time as early as 1512, 11 years after completion of the frescoes. Since 1964, emphasis has been on securing and restoring the support, conserving and restoring the paint layers, and protecting the frescoes. The actual root of Michelangelo's method is to be found in the philosophy of his day. Philosophical and art historical treatises such as by Leon Battista Alberti, Cennino Cennini or the Neo-Platonist Marsilio Ficino are used to expand this point. The article concludes with remarks on the use of spotlights, which also change the perception of Michelangelo's coloring and lighting.