127A Study for the dome of the New Sacristy

Although the critics disagrees to link the drawing to Michelangelo’s hand, the study can be identified with the project, commissioned by Clemente VII and carried out by Michelangelo in Jenuary 1524, for the decoration of the dome of the New Sacristy. The coffered ceiling must have been decorated in plaster by Giovanni da Udine and this sheet might demonstrate a tip provided by Michelangelo to the plasterer. The plasters, of which today no trace remains, were probably removed by Vasari that decided that they weren’t in conformity with the decorative style of the location.