Moses statue reproduction by Michelangelo Sculpture - Michelangelo the original 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. 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 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 horns are a mistake resulting from an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word for light.