Mosès

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 'horns' on Moses' head originate from a mistranslation of the Hebrew word 'karan', which can mean both 'to shine' and 'a horn'.

2. 2

   Sigmund Freud wrote a famous psychoanalytic essay on this specific statue, analyzing the emotional tension captured in the marble.

3. 3

   The statue was meant to be viewed from below, which explains the slightly elongated proportions of the torso.

4. 4

   Legend states that Michelangelo was so struck by the realism of his creation that he struck the right knee of the statue with a hammer and demanded it speak.

5. 5

   The basilica is built over ancient Roman ruins that were once part of the Domus Aurea complex.

6. 6

   The chains of Saint Peter, held in a reliquary beneath the altar, are said to be the same chains that bound the apostle during his imprisonment in Jerusalem.

Overview

The Moses of Michelangelo is a monumental marble sculpture housed within the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli. Commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1505, it was intended as part of his grandiose tomb project. The statue depicts the biblical prophet with horns on his head, a common iconographic interpretation of rays of light in medieval translations of the Vulgate. Michelangelo worked on the figure between 1513 and 1515, capturing a sense of 'terribilità' or intense emotional energy. The sculpture is known for its intricate anatomical detail, particularly the bulging muscles and veins in the arms and legs. It is flanked by figures representing Rachel and Leah. The basilica itself, which contains the relic of the chains of Saint Peter, provides the final resting place for this masterpiece. Despite the original plan for a massive free-standing monument, the sculpture currently sits within a wall-mounted structure.

Insider tips

• Look closely at the right knee of the statue to find a small mark often cited by tradition as the strike from Michelangelo's hammer.

• Visit the small crypt area to see the chains of Saint Peter, which are frequently on display.

• Use the coin-operated light machine if you have small change to illuminate the sculpture for a clearer view of the details.