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Design for an Equestrian Statue of Henry II of France
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Design for an Equestrian Statue of Henry II of France

Michelangelo · 1559 - 1564 · paper; chalk

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

In 1559 Catherine de Medici commissioned Michelangelo to create a monument with an equestrian statue for her husband, who had died in a tournament. However, it was never realized due to the death of the artist and of the assistant who was to take on the work. This sketch focuses mainly on the monumental pedestal (base). Its shape is derived from a design that the great master had made about fifty years earlier.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Credit lineDesign for an Equestrian Statue of Henry II of France. 1559 - 1564. Michelangelo. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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