zoom_in Click to enlarge

Rebellious Slave

▲ ▼

description Rebellious Slave Overview

*Rebellious Slave* is an unfinished marble sculpture created by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo around 1513. The statue depicts a male figure bound at the wrists and twisting his torso in a dynamic struggle against unseen constraints. It was originally commissioned for the elaborate tomb of Pope Julius II. Along with the accompanying *Dying Slave*, the sculpture is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

help Rebellious Slave FAQ

Where is Michelangelo's Rebellious Slave located today?

The Rebellious Slave is housed in the Musée du Louvre in Paris, where it has been since 1793. It stands alongside Michelangelo's Dying Slave, which was also part of the same original commission for the tomb of Pope Julius II.

What was the Rebellious Slave originally made for?

The Rebellious Slave was commissioned around 1513 for the tomb of Pope Julius II, one of Michelangelo's most troubled projects. The statue was intended to be one of several captive or slave figures adorning the monumental tomb, though the project was repeatedly scaled back.

Why is the Rebellious Slave unfinished?

Michelangelo left the Rebellious Slave in an incomplete state, with parts of the figure still emerging from rough marble blocks. This was partly due to the repeated revisions to Pope Julius II's tomb project and Michelangelo's characteristic non finito style, where he intentionally left works partially rough.

How many slave sculptures did Michelangelo create for Pope Julius II's tomb?

Michelangelo carved at least six figures commonly called Slaves or Captives, intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II. Two completed ones—the Rebellious Slave and Dying Slave—are in the Louvre, while four unfinished examples are in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence.

swap_horiz

Looking for Rebellious Slave alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward