Michelangelo’s Dusk (Crepuscolo) – Medici Chapel, Florence

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564)

Crepuscolo (Dusk), created between 1524 and 1531, is a marble sculpture approximately 193 cm (6 ft 4 in) in length. It is housed in the Sagrestia Nuova (Medici Chapel) of the Basilica di San Lorenzo, Florence.

Textual Description

Michelangelo carved Crepuscolo (Dusk) as one of the allegorical figures representing the passage of time for the tomb of Lorenzo de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino, in the New Sacristy of San Lorenzo in Florence. The sculpture forms part of the sculptural program commissioned by the Medici family in the 1520s to honor two members of the dynasty: Lorenzo de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino, and Giuliano de’ Medici, Duke of Nemours. On Lorenzo’s monument, Dusk is paired with Aurora (Dawn), while the opposite tomb bears Night and Day.

Michelangelo executed the Medici Chapel sculptures during a turbulent period in Florence marked by political upheaval and the temporary expulsion of the Medici family. Work progressed intermittently between about 1524 and 1531 before Michelangelo ultimately left Florence for Rome. The allegorical figures were conceived as embodiments of the cyclical nature of time and mortality, reinforcing the funerary context of the monuments.

Lorenzo de’ Medici (1492–1519), whose seated portrait surmounts the tomb, was a member of the Medici ruling family and held the title of Duke of Urbino; he died at the age of twenty-six.

Michelangelo himself never married and spent much of his life working under powerful patrons in Florence and Rome, including members of the Medici family and several popes. His work on the Medici Chapel remains one of the most significant sculptural undertakings of the High Renaissance, uniting architecture, sculpture, and allegory within a single monumental funerary program.

Visiting Information

The Medici Chapel8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry typically 30 minutes before closing. It is closed on major holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Entrance Fees: General admission is approximately €8–10. Reduced rates are available for students and seniors, while children under 18 often enter free.

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid crowds. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

For curated experiences, book a guided tour through Exotic Italy Tours, which highlight Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Medici history, and Florence’s Renaissance treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Michelangelo’s Dusk located?

In the Sagrestia Nuova (Medici Chapel), Basilica di San Lorenzo, Florence.

When was Dusk created?

Between 1524 and 1531.

What are the visiting hours?

Daily from 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on major holidays.

What is the entrance fee?

General admission €8–10, reduced rates for students and seniors, children under 18 free.

Can I book guided tours?

Yes, through Exotic Italy’s Florence tours.