Oho, a fan of the classics. What discussions we might share,
tar-ancalime. Interesting thought,
Perky Ent. Historical art has oft been interpreted incorrectly, so perhaps you are right about VVG's actual painting being a representation of Minas Morgul. Very astute, my friend.
In my most humble opinion, Michelangelo may have been one of the most avid depictors of Arda's art. Perhaps because he, as a contributor to great art long ago, lived in a time that was close to the ages of Middle-Earth itself. He, unlike some others, tended to shy away from overly vivid, semi-abstractisms, and head towards blunt yet magnificent interpretations by epitomizing characters from Middle-Earth in his pieces. Below, I cite a few examples to further the credibility of my case;
Pater Denethore est Filum: A work on Grecian canvas depicting the unseen side of Steward Denethor of Gondor, reading the tale of his own father, Ecthelion, to his sons, Faramir and Boromir. Though the piece is one of tenderness from father to son, critiques have noted the sour look on Denethor's face and the unsettling absence of Finduilas. The naive look of the two sons is considered foreshadowing. Notice how Boromir is, very visibly, in front of younger Faramir?
Curunir: One of Michelangelo's most famous. The immortal depiction of Saruman as he condemns Gandalf and the Rohirrim from atop mighty Orthanc. At the right, in his shadow, are a pair of orcs, for their faces are unseen. At left, just behind Saruman, is the obvious figure of Grima Wormtongue cowering. This visage was so powerful, that's its meaning was completely forgotten. Many pointed out that the picture might in fact have been Gandalf, since the robe of the depicted Maiar is white, rather than multicolored.
Maternity and Hope: This is another one of the more thought-provoking, gentle images. It's title, 'Maternity and Hope' gives away the characters within. The female is Gilraen, while the child in her arms is Estel, which means 'hope.' Many have speculated as to why young Elessar seems so protective of his mother in this statuary work, others state that the child, despite being a child, already looks ready to lead, and heap further praises upon Michelangelo for his accurate depiction of the once-and-future king.