In the forearms, a very small muscle only contracts when lifting the pinky finger; otherwise, it remains hidden.
This muscle is known as the extensor digiti minimi. It originates from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and inserts into the middle and distal phalanges of the fifth digit.
The renowned Italian artist Michelangelo created a magnificent sculpture called Moses at the church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome. Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to design his tomb in 1505, and although it was intended for completion before he died in 1513, the project was not finished until 1545.
Michelangelo’s sculpture of Moses, painstakingly carved from marble, is unmatched by any modern or ancient work. The figure is seated and measures approximately five feet (235 cm) in height. Moses holds the Ten Commandments under his muscular arms and gazes to his left with an intense expression in his eyes. The long, glossy beard is rendered with such skill that it appears soft and downy, as if the iron chisel had become a brush.
The dynamic pose and anatomical details, such as the visible veins and defined muscles, contribute to the sculpture’s lifelike appearance.
One detail on Moses’s forearm highlights Michelangelo’s profound understanding of the human body: the extensor muscle known as the Extensor digiti minimi, which only becomes visible when the pinky finger is lifted. This level of observation and intricate detailing is astonishing for a sculpture created in the early 16th century.
Since the 19th century, a series of critical comments have been made about the statue, interpreting its features by various biographers of that era, including Sigmund Freud.
Here are some theories regarding how Michelangelo achieved such intricate details in his sculptures:
- Michelangelo began dissecting corpses at 18, gaining extensive knowledge of human anatomy. This expertise allowed him to create sculptures with remarkable detail.
- Renaissance sculptors often used cast moulding from models for their work, so the models are credited with being well-built.
- He may have created sculptures directly from real individuals posing for him.
Michelangelo’s Moses stands as a testament to the sculptor’s unparalleled genius. With breathtaking accuracy, it captures real strength and human emotion. His mastery of marble breathes life into the figure, solidifying his legacy as one of history’s greatest artists.
