A spray-painted wall mural on the wall outside a Roseville artist's studio has led to a legal battle between the artist and the city.

Edward Stross, 42, could face jail time for his interpretation of Italian master Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, according to a report from The Macomb Daily

The mural on the side of Stross' studio at Utica and Gratiot shows God reaching out with his hand, surrounded by cherubs and a naked woman that represents the biblical Eve, the paper reported.

Stross, whose nickname is "Gonzo," told the paper he was inspired to imitate Michelangelo after city leaders denigrated his talents.

City leaders say the painting is another attempt by Stross to goad them and violate codes regarding nudity and signage, the paper reported.

Officials reportedly granted Stross a zoning variance in 1997 allowing him to paint on the side of his studio, but the conditions stated no "private parts (genitalia)" could be painted on the wall and no lettering would be included, according to the paper.

Stross argues that his mural stays true to the original work.

The two sides are now in a dispute over the intent and what "genitalia" includes, the paper reported.

Stross will face the city in court on Sept. 17.

If he fails to alter the painting by then, and is found guilty, he faces up to 90 days in jail, according to the paper.

Stross told the paper he's consulting lawyers and the American Civil Liberties Unions to see if his constitutional rights of expression are being violated.