Benedetto Varchi describes this picture as having been painted by Buonarroti's own hand.

We know nothing more for certain about it.

How he earned his money is therefore, unexplained, except upon the supposition that S.
Giorgio, unintelligent as he may have been in his patronage of art, paid him for work performed.

I may here add that the Piero de' Medici who gave the commission mentioned in the last quotation was the exiled head of the ruling family.

Nothing had to be expected from such a man.
He came to Rome in order to be near the Cardinal Giovanni, and to share this brother's better fortunes; but his days and nights were spent in debauchery among the companions and accomplices of shameful riot.
Michelangelo, in short, like most young artists, was struggling into fame and recognition.