The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Novel of Michelangelo

In Rome, Michelangelo is relieved to learn that his old statues are undamaged. His old house is in need of repair, however. Two days after his return, Pope Clement dies. He was disliked, and many people celebrate. Michelangelo feels a “considerable sense of loss” (671), since he was the last of the Medici whom he knew in his youth. The people of Florence hope that Clement’s death will lead to Alessandro being cast out, since he was Clement’s son. The community of Florentines in Rome welcomes Michelangelo back to the city. He reunites with Balducci and Baglioni. The Duke of Urbino revives the lawsuit concerning the tomb of Pope Julius. Michelangelo would like to finish the tomb, but the new Pope, Pope Paul, insists that he work on the Last Judgment. Michelangelo resents that—once again—he finds himself forced to work for a Pope. When he explains the situation with the Duke of Urbino, the Pope declares that the contract is settled.

The Last Judgment is a gigantic mural. Michelangelo is not sure that he will have the energy to finish “so large a commission” (675), which could take five years. He passes the building work at St. Peter’s Basilica. The project disgusts him.