San Pietro in Vincoli is one of the oldest churches in Rome, having been begun in 431. It was originally dedicated to SS Peter and Paul, but when Pope Leo the Great was presented with the chains which Peter was traditionally believed to have worn in the Mamertine Prison, St Peter became sole patron of the church; the chains are now preserved as a precious relic in the high altar. The gold decoration on the tabernacle is attributed to Christoforo Caradossa.
The church has been considerably altered by later additions (restoration 1990/91). The impressive portico is the work of Meo da Caprino and the marble porch bears the coat-of-arms of the architect Giuliano della Rovere.
The most notable features are the 20 columns with Doric capitals in the nave; the tomb of Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa (Kues on the Mosel, Germany; d. 1465) in the north aisle; and above all the monument of Pope Julius II in the south transept. This monument to the great Pope of the della Rovere family (1503-13) was originally conceived by Michelangelo on a larger scale for erection in St Peter's. Of the sculpture originally planned Michelangelo himself executed only three figures - the central figure of Moses, together with Rachel and Leah, the two wives of Jacob. The statues of Rachel and Leah, symbols of the active and contemplative life, are late works of outstanding quality; but the figure of Moses (1513-16), designed also to celebrate the great Pope and Prince of the Renaissance, ranks among the finest achievements in the sculpture of the world. Moses is depicted at the moment when he has received from God the tables of the Law, which he holds under his right arm, and is watching his people dancing round the golden calf, his face reflecting both divine illumination and wrath over the faithlessness of his people. (The horns on his forehead reflect a mistranslation of the Biblical text.)
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