Moses (Michelangelo) facts for kids
Moses is a famous statue created by the amazing artist Michelangelo. It shows Moses, a very important leader from the Bible. This statue is special because Moses has small horns on his head. It was one of the last big projects Michelangelo worked on.
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Who Was Michelangelo?
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475–1564) was an Italian artist. He was a sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. He lived during the Renaissance period. Michelangelo is known as one of the greatest artists ever. His works include the statue of David and the paintings on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
The Story of the Moses Statue
The Moses statue was made between 1513 and 1515. It was meant to be part of a huge tomb. This tomb was for Pope Julius II. The Pope wanted a very grand tomb for himself. Michelangelo was hired to design and create it.
The tomb was planned to have many statues. Moses was supposed to be one of the main ones. However, the project faced many delays. It was also changed many times. In the end, the tomb was much smaller than first planned. It was finished long after Pope Julius II died.
Where to Find the Statue
Today, the Moses statue is in Rome, Italy. You can see it in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli. It is still part of Pope Julius II's tomb. The tomb is not as big as planned, but Moses is still the most important part.
Why Does Moses Have Horns?
One of the most talked-about things about the statue is the horns. In the Bible, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face was described as "radiant" or "shining."
However, there was an old Latin translation of the Bible. It was called the Vulgate. In this version, the Hebrew word for "radiant" was translated incorrectly. It was translated as "horned." This mistake led many artists, including Michelangelo, to show Moses with horns. It was a common way to show him in art during that time.
Michelangelo's Artistic Style
Michelangelo was known for his powerful and realistic sculptures. He believed that a statue was already inside the marble. His job was just to chip away the extra stone.
The Moses statue shows his amazing skill. Moses looks strong and full of emotion. His muscles are detailed. His beard is long and flowing. The statue captures a moment of deep thought or anger. It shows Moses after he has received the Ten Commandments.
Other Famous Works by Michelangelo
Michelangelo created many other masterpieces.
- David: This huge marble statue shows the biblical hero David. It is known for its perfect human form.
- Pietà: This statue shows Mary holding the body of Jesus after the crucifixion. It is famous for its beauty and emotion.
- Sistine Chapel Ceiling: Michelangelo spent years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. It shows scenes from the Book of Genesis.
Related pages
The following are other statues by Michelangelo:
