Michelangelo and portrait on the facade

Michelangelo and portrait on the facade of Palazzo Vecchio

Florentine tradition tells us two different versions about a portrait carved on the right side of the facade of Palazzo Vecchio. I am going to write you both of them, tell me which one you prefer!
Version number one: 
A man was used to annoy Michelangelo with boring and recurring stories. One day the artist had chisel and hammer with him: while he was listening to the man he didn't waste time and he made his portrait with his hands behind his back! 
Version number two:
A condemned passed in front of Palazzo Vecchio directed to the gallows. Michelangelo assisted the scene: he observed the face of a man who was going to die and he had only a few minutes to reproduce it! He had no paper with him so he sculpted the expression of the man on the wall, that's why the portrait isn't rich in details but very simple and essential. The incredible talent of the master appears even if he had only hammer and chisel with him. Look at the photo below: the outlines of the man are very clear and recognisable!

What do you think? Do you believe Michelangelo have ever spent his time in a similar way? We don't know but....have a look at the facade of the palace when you come to Florence!


 

Michelangelo and portrait on the facade of Palazzo Vecchio
Altri articoli
The terrestrial and celestial Gods
The terrestrial and celestial Gods

The wonderful decorations on the ceilings were commissioned by Cosimo I to Giorgio Vasari

The marquis Cosimo Ridolfi
The marquis Cosimo Ridolfi

Cosimo Ridolfi was even elected Minister of Education and Senator after the unification of Ital

Florence and Dante's Residence
Florence and Dante's Residence

Historical Testimonies on Dante's Residence in Florence.

The particular self-portrait
The particular self-portrait

It's a little bit strange because the Cathedral and the three doors too are entirely dedicated to the Virgin Mary.