Some designs for a grand double tomb by Michelangelo are considered to be designs for the never executed Magnifici tomb in the Medici chapel. The reclining figures displayed on the sarcophagi in these designs were accordingly interpreted as the Magnifici effigies. However, for stylistic and iconographic reasons these figures cannot represent effigies. This puts in question the original cause of these designs and consequently leads to wonder whether Michelangelo ever intended to erect a double tomb for the Magnifici on the free entrance wall of the Medici Chapel. It seems that almost from the outset he planned to have two double tombs on the lateral walls.