Sunday Art Snapshot: Michelangelo’s Horned Moses
The mystery behind the horns on Moses’ head
Michelangelo’s Moses, sculpted between 1513-1515, is a powerful figure located in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome. This iconic statue was meant to be the centerpiece of Pope Julius II’s tomb.
One of its most striking features? The horns on Moses’ head! This odd detail probably comes from a mistranslation of the Hebrew Bible in the Latin Vulgate, where the word for “radiant” was mistakenly rendered as “horned.”
Despite this, Michelangelo’s Moses remains a stunning portrayal of strength and emotion, capturing a pivotal biblical moment. If you are an art lover, and you still haven’t visited him, you know what to do! 🎨✨
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
If you’re interested in more things Italian, read this post in my Journey Jots publication about my trip to Sicily: