Moses, Renaissance marble sculpture in San Pietro in Vincoli church, Rome, Italy.
The figure of Moses shows the biblical character seated with the Tablets of Law under his right arm, while the muscles and drapery folds are carved in white marble. The gaze and tension of the body convey the moment as if the figure had just turned his head to observe something to the side.
Michelangelo created this work between 1513 and 1515 for the tomb of Pope Julius II, which was originally planned to be much larger. The final version of the monument was only completed in 1545 after several designs had been abandoned.
The horns on the figure's head came from a Latin translation error in the Vulgate Bible, where the Hebrew term for rays of light was rendered as actual horns. Today the work forms the centerpiece of a tomb that visitors can approach closely as they walk through the side aisle of the church.
The work stands in the right transept of San Pietro in Vincoli church and can be viewed from the front and both sides. The area around the tomb is usually accessible during church opening hours except during religious services.
Michelangelo is said to have struck the completed knee of the work with his hammer and demanded it speak, leaving a small mark that remains visible today. This legend reflects the extraordinary lifelike quality the artist gave to the stone.
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