A Statue Above Bologna – And Then Gone
For more than three years, a magnificent bronze statue of Pope Julius II, created by Michelangelo, stood proudly above the main portal of San Petronio in Bologna. It was no small sculpture — towering at three to four meters in height, it dominated the city’s skyline and embodied the papal power that Julius II sought to exert over the region.
Yet, this powerful symbol was not meant to last. In a turn of political fate, the bronze statue was destroyed, melted down for cannons, and lost to history.
Rediscovering the Lost Masterpiece
Art historians have long studied the mystery of this lost sculpture. While the bronze was destroyed, a significant clue survives in the form of a drawing — part of the so-called “Rothschild Codex” held in the Louvre. This document, detailed by art historian Norbert Huse in his writings “Miscellany,” offers a rare visual testimony of the statue’s appearance.
The Wooden Model: An Echo of Greatness
But even more remarkable is the rediscovery of a wooden model believed to be a study for the lost bronze statue. Unlike the fleeting bronze, this wooden model has survived the centuries, allowing us a glimpse into Michelangelo’s creative process.
This model is not just a relic — it is a link to a lost masterpiece, a work of power and authority now only a memory. Standing as a testament to Michelangelo’s vision, it invites us to imagine the grandeur of the statue that once towered over Bologna.
Why Does This Matter?
The story of Michelangelo’s lost statue is more than just a tale of a destroyed artwork. It is a story of art, politics, and power. It reveals how art can be a symbol of authority — and how even the grandest symbols can be swept away by the tides of history.
