Primary sourceSculpture1505-1545

Tomb of Pope Julius II

Michelangelo · 1505-1545

A monumental sculptural and architectural tomb designed and partly carved by Michelangelo over nearly four decades.

Michelangelo designed and carved much of this tomb himself, calling the decades-long project his personal 'tragedy'.

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Full front view of a large white marble funerary monument with multiple tiers of statues and niches, featuring a central seated bearded figure with horns-like locks and a reclining effigy above. Iron railing in foreground. — Michelangelo, Tomb of Pope Julius II, 1505-1545. San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome.

About this source

What it is

This is a sculptural and architectural ensemble by Michelangelo and his assistants, commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II. Originally planned for St. Peter's Basilica, it was eventually placed in San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome, though Julius II himself is actually buried elsewhere.

Why it matters

The tomb's history shows how huge artistic projects could be delayed, shrunk, and reshaped by politics and money. Michelangelo called the project the

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