He did not personally sympathise with Michelangelo's character; and, seeing what his tastes were, it is impossible that he can have really appreciated the quality of his genius.

Giulio de' Medici, afterwards Pope Clement VII., was more in sympathy with Buonarroti both as artist and as man.

To him we may with probability ascribe the impulse given at this moment to the project.

After several visits to Florence during the summer, and much correspondence with the Medici through their Roman agent, Michelangelo went finally, upon the 31st of August, to have the model completed under his own eyes by a workman in his native city.

It was carefully constructed of wood, showing the statuary in wax-relief.