5The Dying Slave by Michelangelo (1513-1516)
Part of a series originally intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo’s The Dying Slave represents a figure caught between life and death. This marble statue depicts a young man with his head tilted to the side, his face expressing a sense of resigned tranquility. The figure’s pose, with one arm raised and the body twisted in a graceful contortion, suggests both suffering and surrender. This unfinished work showcases Michelangelo’s mastery of human anatomy and his ability to convey deep emotion through physical form.