If we look at the detail of this sculpture, you will find a carefully crafted helmet which sticks out over his eyes. He is seen in a contemplative mood, with his head leaning on his left hand, with a finger extending to under his nose. His arm is kept in place by a small casket on which he balances his elbow. Clearly a symbolic addition that requires further attention, as Michelangelo would consider everything he added both in terms of aesthetic value, but also in telling us a story for each and every sculpture. His work for this overall project involved putting together a whole host of sculptures, in conjunction with his assistants, before then having them installed into the overall tomb display once they were all complete. Michelangelo would often allow his colleagues to complete tasks that he felt were easier to do, and he would serve in leading the overall project. See also the related sculpture of Giuliano de' Medici.
The body language found within this statue of Lorenzo de' Medici gives the impression of someone in control, perhaps waiting for an order to be carried out whilst he relaxes in a contemplative, patient manner. It gives an atmosphere of confidence and Michelangelo would also have felt pressured to portray his figures in as flattering an image as possible, knowing that disatisfying patrons could cause political and financial issues both in the present and future. It was difficult to be awarded such high profile commissions and so he would have concentrated on keeping up his high standards in order to protect his own reputation which had already spread across Italy and beyond. It would not be long, for example, before artists from elsewhere would travel to see some of his best work in person.
Lorenzo de' Medici would marry a French princess in order to strengthen the family's powers. Their daughter was to be Catharine de' Medici, Queen of the French King, Henry II. Some have argued that Lorenzo was not amongst the most dynamic of members of the family, but Michelangelo was always able to create an idealised version of any figure, be it someone from the past or a living individual in the present. His ability to take someone and create a stunning, much improved version of them underlined his imagination and also the strong technical abilities which enabled him to carry out his ideas effectively. In fact, his presence within this famous tomb would help Lorenzo to become a better known part of the Medici family than he might otherwise have been.
