This may now be seen at S.Pietro ad Vincula; and though, truth to tell, it is but a mutilated and botched-up remnant of Michelangelo's original design, the monument is still the finest to be found in Rome, and perhaps elsewhere in the world, if only for the three statues finished by the hand of the great master." II In this account, Condivi, has condensed the events of seven years.

The third and last contract with the heirs of Julius was not ratified until the autumn of 1542, nor was the tomb erected much before the year 1550.

We shall see that the tragedy still cost its hero many anxious days during this period.
Paul III., having obtained his object, issued a brief, whereby he appointed Michelangelo chief architect, sculptor, and painter at the Vatican.

The instrument is dated September 1, 1535, and the terms with which it describes the master's eminence in the three arts are highly flattering.

Allusion is directly made to the fresco of the Last Judgment, which may therefore have been begun about this date.
Michelangelo was enrolled as member of the Pontifical household, with a permanent pension of 1200 golden crowns, to be raised in part on the revenues accruing from a ferry across the Po at Piacenza.