The drawing in question, as we shall presently see, is of great importance for the subsequent history of the monument; and I believe that it to some extent preserves the general aspect which the tomb, as first designed, was intended to present.

Two points about it, however, prevent our taking it as a true guide to Michelangelo's original conception.

One is that it is clearly only part of a larger scheme of composition.

The other is that it shows a sarcophagus, not supported by angels, but posed upon the platform.

Moreover, it corresponds to the declaration appended in 1513 by Michelangelo to the first extant document we possess about the tomb.
Julius died in February 1513, leaving, it is said, to his executors directions that his sepulchre should not be carried out upon the first colossal plan.