Image Details

Scala/Art Resource, New York, NY

The imposing tomb of Pope Julius II occupied Michelangelo and lesser artists, off and on, from 1505 to 1545. The work was originally intended for St.Peter’s Basilica but now stands in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, in Rome; Julius II is interred at St. Peter’s. Michelangelo created the lowest register of figures, including the best-known sculpture from the work, the horned Moses. Rachel and Leah stand at lower left and at lower right, respectively. A recumbent Julius II is directly above Moses and, above him, stand the Virgin and Child. To the right and left of the pope are an unidentified prophet and a sibyl (a woman with prophetic powers).