Moses Bust By Michelangelo - The actual statue was commissioned by Julius II to produce his tomb, which was planned to be the most magnificent of Christian times. Michelangelo enthusiastically went ahead with the challenging project which included more than 40 figures. The statue of Moses now stands alone. It was intended as the center piece in a spectacular design for the tomb of Pope Julius II. Michelangelo was undaunted by the task of executing a massive work consisting of forty huge figures. He lived for such challenges and he saw opportunity of distinguishing himself through such a work. He enthusiastically undertook the project. He was disappointed and rebellious when Julius changed his mind and assigned to him the decoration of the Sistine Chapel. He thought of himself as a sculptor, not a painter. The depiction of the prophet and lawgiver, Michelangelo bequeathed to us a penetrating character study. The hand of Moses, like the hands of other Michelangelo figures gives us insight into the character. The hand is refined and sensitive but it is also strong. It strokes the beard as the hand of one who contemplates. The horns are a mistake resulting from an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word for light. The bust of Moses is made of alabaster dust mixed wi(more...)