Surrounding it externally were niches to be filled with statues, and between each pair of niches stood terminal figures, to the front of which were attached on certain consoles projecting from the wall another set of statues bound like prisoners.

These represented the Liberal Arts, and likewise Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, each with characteristic emblems, rendering their identification easy.

The intention was to show that all the talents had been taken captive by death, together with Pope Julius, since never would they find another patron to cherish and encourage them as he had done.

Above these figures ran a cornice, giving unity to the whole work.

Upon the flat surface formed by this cornice were to be four large statues, one of which, that is, the Moses, now exists at S.
Pietro ad Vincula.