Soderini, therefore, decided to comply with the Marshal's request, and on the 12th of August 1502 Michelangelo undertook to model a David of two cubits and a quarter within six months.

In the bronze-casting he was assisted by a special master, Benedetto da Rovezzano.

During the next two years a brisk correspondence was kept up between the envoys and the Signory about the statue, showing the Marshal's impatience.

Meanwhile De Rohan became Duke of Nemours in 1503 by his marriage with a sister of Louis d'Armagnac, and shortly afterwards he fell into disgrace.

Nothing more was to be expected from him at the court of Blois.