Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Moses
References
Images
Marble sculpture Moses by Michelangelo, showing a seated, bearded Moses with tablets under his arm and horns on his head, set against an ornate architectural background.
Britannica AI Icon

Moses

work by Michelangelo
Written by
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of  Encyclopædia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them.
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last updated

Quick Summary

Marble sculpture Moses by Michelangelo, showing a seated, bearded Moses with tablets under his arm and horns on his head, set against an ornate architectural background.
Michelangelo: Moses Moses, marble sculpture by Michelangelo for the tomb of Pope Julius II, c. 1513–15; in the basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome.

Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses was created around 1513–15 as part of a larger, ambitious tomb project for Pope Julius II. Although the tomb was eventually significantly scaled down and altered, the Moses figure remains a powerful testament to Michelangelo's skill.

The sculpture depicts Moses with a commanding presence, seated and holding the Tablets of the Law. Michelangelo's mastery is evident in the detailed rendering of musculature and drapery, conveying immense strength and gravitas. The figure's intense gaze and dynamic pose suggest a profound inner life and a deep connection to divine inspiration, reflecting the biblical narrative of Moses as a leader and prophet.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. Moses - The formative years
  2. Michelangelo - Other projects
  3. Western sculpture - Michelangelo and the High Renaissance

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.