Name: Bill
Date: 2002-03-17
Comments: From the configuration of his right hand in the beard and gaze to the left, we must conclude that only moments ago the position of the head and view were to the right. Most experts attribute this to the episode mentioned in Exodus 23.19: Angry at the sight of his follower’s worshiping the golden calf - scanning horizon from right to left - Moses breaks the tablets at the base of Mount Sinai. We can certainly envision this episode when viewing a work like Raphael's 1659 painting of Moses, but to associate this event with Michelangelo’s Moses is quite a stretch to the imagination.
A more likely explanation is that the event depicted is the one mentioned in Exodus 34:5-6: Having returned to Mount Sinai with the second set of tables Moses watched the LORD descend in a cloud and pass by in front of him. And he is rising in order bow his head and worship the LORD. This would also explain why Freud described the Moses with these words, “It is as though the controlling influence had proceeded downwards from above.”
Name:
Date: 2002-05-15
Comments: I was woundering if the people can help describe the painting better and with more of a description of why there is horns on the top of moses's head.
Name: Gustavo Marigo
Date: 2002-05-18
Comments: Many people probably ask them selves why he has got horns, but the horns on Moses´s head symbolizes his power and sublimity.
Name: Irene Imbrogno
Date: 2002-06-15
Comments: Michelangelo's Moses,is that of a God-like figure,rather than a mere mortal.This figure shows,strengh,vitality and wisdom.
As to the horns,protruding from the top of his head,some attribute this to be a sign of divinity, bestowed by God.Other sources state,there was a mistake in translation from the old Hebrew words,'rays of light',into horns.
This is a noble piece of work.It is beautifully finished,and is brimming with life and power.
Though the figure is that of someone no longer young,it exudes stamina,strengh and leadership. This Moses,indeed,was God's emissary.
Name: Unknown
Date: 2002-10-14
Comments: If you all want to find out alot about the statue, do a google search for Michelangelo's Moses, you'll be overwhelmed!
Name: marlies
Date: 2003-09-04
Comments: the sculpture of moses was made ca 1513-1515 and was part of the large project for the tomb of Julius2. Moses actually meant to be seen from below as it was supposed to be 12 feet above ground level.
Name: Aaron Novotney
Date: 2003-10-18
Comments: The horns depicted come from a Latin translation of the Hebrew word qaaran which had several meanings(horned, shone) Exodus 34:30. The Latin Vulgate adopted the former sense and translated 'cornuta erat'. This is a radiance that came from Moses after face to face speaking with God. v. 33-35 go on to explain from this time forth Moses wore a veil over his face after speaking with God in the tent of meeting.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Name: John Prete
Date: 2003-11-18
Comments: This statue is extremely interesting to me; Moses is loving and yet strong-minded, strong and yet wise. I think Michelangelo was inspired by God to create the statue. As I observe the statue, I am deeply reminded of my maker.
Name: LupulDacic
Date: 2004-01-01
Comments: That is not great Prophet Moses, is the Devil himself. The face of this creature is ugly and it has horns. Besides, it stays written: "You shall not make yourself a carved image..." We know this Michelangelo had a crippled body. We can see he had a crippled mind too.
Name: DJL
Date: 2004-06-07
Comments: Why the horns? The Hebrew word for "rays of light" are the same as the Hebrew word "Horns." The passage that depicts Moses descending from the Mount with rays extending from his head was perhaps mistranslated by an apprentice!
