Moses

Although a relevant entry exists in Stanisław Kostka Potocki's list of purchases made in Paris in 1808 ('Moses, Michelangelo's clay model of a statue by the same'), the status and the attribution of this item are still disputed. Some believe it to be a bozzetto (an early small-sized model made of fired clay), others think consider it to be a replica made in Michelangelo's workshop, probably by Antonio Mini, with some finishing touches added by the great master. One way or the other, this Moses is a fine example of this kind of statuary work; its closest equivalent in terms of size and shape belongs to the Cecchi family in Rome.