Night by Michelangelo

Night is one of the four allegory sculptures relating to the periods of the day (dawn, day, dusk, night). She is recognizable by the symbolism of a star and moon diadem, an owl nestled in the crook of her bent left leg and the bouquet of poppies her left foot rests on. The mask under her left hand has been interpreted as mystery or a secret. There has been speculation that Michelangelo intended it to be a veiled reference to his sexual orientation as homosexuality was illegal. Michelangelo showed her with her head tilted down. As a result, her face is usually in shadow. This is another reference to the allegory of night. Michelangelo likely used a male model to create her design as many have noticed her strikingly masculine, muscular body. Her breasts have drawn attention for their unusual appearance. An oncologist theorized that Michelangelo might have depicted her with breast cancer. She was sculpted to decorate the tomb of Giuliano de Medici along with a companion sculpture of Day. The tomb is located inside the Medici Chapel at the church of San Lorenzo. Michelangelo worked on her from about 1524-1527. Of the four allegorical figures, she is considered to be the closest to being finished.