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

Genius of Victory

1532-34
Marble, height 261 cm
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

It is uncertain whether the statue was planned as part of the tomb of Julius II. The strong manneristic features (exaggerated contortions and complex movements) link this figure to the Slaves, executed for the version of the tomb designed in 1532. In its present state, a particular source of delight is the fact that the youthful and beautiful victor is almost completely finished whereas his aging, defeated opponent is only indicated in rough terms, which emphasizes the theme of the sculpture.