Day

The "Day" sculpture is part of Michelangelo's work on the Medici Chapel in Florence. Commissioned by Pope Clement VII, the chapel houses monuments to members of the Medici family. Michelangelo worked on the chapel's interior and tomb sculptures from 1520 to 1534.1

The tomb sculptures include allegorical figures representing the passage of time. On one tomb, "Day" and "Night" are depicted, while on the other, "Dawn" and "Dusk" recline. Michelangelo stated that these figures symbolize the circular movement of time leading to death. "Day" is described as a massive, powerful figure, possibly implying inner fire, while "Night" is shown in a restless sleep, suggesting stressful dreams. These figures, along with the effigies of the dukes they represent, are considered some of Michelangelo's most accomplished creations and reflect his artistic intentions and feelings about the creative process.213