“The Dusk” (16th century) by Michelangelo. Medici Chapel. Florence, Italy. Photograph by Paul Goldfinger. Blogfinger.net.
The sculpture is from the 16th century. For the soundtrack, we found an aria from Handel’s opera Rinaldo (17th century. ) It is sung in Italian and is called “Lascia ch’iio Planga” which means “Let me weep over my cruel fate.” Or maybe it means “more sauce for the scungilli.” I don’t know, but it is beautiful.
The soprano is Patricia Petibon. PG
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Way back in 1978, I did my homework with a guide book. I visited the Medici Tombs when the doors opened in the morning. Most visitors were caught up viewing the rotunda of the church, but I went directly to the side room with the sculptures. For about 20 mins., I was completely alone with them—no guards or other visitors. It was a magical moment and likely one that would not happen today with security concerns.