Tomb of Pope Julius II in Rome, From the series Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae

The mishaps accompanying the building of the monumental tomb of Pope Julius II became a protracted and frustrating experience for Michelangelo. Originally, the project was conceived as a free-standing mausoleum to be decorated with a large number of figures, which was to be placed in St. Peter’s Basilica. After the death of Julius II in 1513, the plan was radically changed. By 1516 the artist had created three figures - that of Moses and two figures of Prisoners. His work on the tomb was repeatedly interrupted by other commissions and its final appearance was considerably altered: ultimately, the figures of Prisoners were abandoned and new ones were added, including Leah and Rachel (the personifications of a contemplative and active life), which were to be Michelangelo’s last finished sculptures. There are also the statues of the Madonna and Child and the portrait of Julius II which, however, are the work of Raffaello da Montelupo, Michelangelo’s assistant. Neither the artist nor the patrons were satisfied with the result. The monument was unveiled in 1545 in San Pietro in Vincoli. Nevertheless, the sculpture of Moses received well-deserved admiration and was frequently copied by artists.