The idea of art has been guided by human psychological necessities and an understanding of life been escorted by religious beliefs. Throughout human history, it is easily visible the effect that human desire to define their existence have had in the development of art, social hierarchies and moral principles. High Renaissance (1490 - 1527) and Italian Baroque (late 16th century - early 18th century) are period styles greatly influence by occurrences at the time. Michelangelo’s Moses is an immense representative of the High Renaissance styles, as well as, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne for The Italian Baroque Style. We are going to explore both artworks, comparing and contrasting the meaning behind their existence, their respective cultural and historical events as an influence on their individual time period.

Initially, in 1505 Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo Buonarroti to build his tomb. Michelangelo consenting, dedicated 6 months choosing marble at Carrara, for his initial massive design which in theory was to have 40 statues. The project was postponed due to a lack of funds, and a new commission by the Pope, rumored to be the …show more content…
“What we see before us is not the inception of a violent action ,but the remains of a movement that has already taken place. In his first transport of fury, Moses desired to act, to spring up and take vengeance and forget the Tables; but he has overcome the temptation, and he will now remain seated and still, in his frozen wrath and in his pain mingled with contempt… … His hand returned and saved the unsupported Tables before they had actually fallen to the ground. In this attitude he remained immobilized, and in this attitude Michelangelo has portrayed him as the guardian of the tomb.” (Sigmund