MICHELANGELO Buonarroti
(b. 1475, Caprese, d. 1564, Roma)

Risen Christ

1521
Marble, height 205 cm
Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome

Although he was actually completely focused on the work for the Julius tomb, Michelangelo completed this sculpture at the request of the young patrician Metello Vari. A black vein in the marble prevented a first version from being delivered to the client. The second version shown here was sent by Michelangelo in 1521 from Florence to his assistants in Rome. However, because their work was of such a low standard and was beyond any rescue by the Master himself, Vari was offered a third version, which he politely declined.