The alternation of white marble surfaces and mouldings with _pietra serena_ pilasters, cornices, and arches, defines the structural design, and gives a grave but agreeable sense of variety.
Finally, the recess behind the altar adds lightness and space to what would otherwise have been a box.

What I have already observed when speaking of the vestibule to the library must be repeated here: the whole scheme is that of an exterior turned outside in, and its justification lies in the fact that it demanded statuary and colour for its completion.

Still the bold projecting cornices, the deeper and shallower niches resembling windows, have the merit of securing broken lights and shadows under the strong vertical illumination, all of which are eminently picturesque.

No doubt remains now that tradition is accurate in identifying the helmeted Duke with Lorenzo de' Medici, and the more graceful seated hero opposite with Giuliano.

The recumbent figures on the void sepulchres beneath them are with equal truth designated as Night and Day, Morning and Evening.