There is a lot I've learned about the context of the slaves, and much more intrigue, and even scandal, surrounding the commission and original project. It was definitely a surprise to find out about the "shady" dealings Michelangelo had with his patrons, and the accusations of embezzlement that were pointed at him.
I've had a chance to look at other sculptures styles, techniques, and criticisms as well as critiques and evaluations of Michelangelo's work. I was also surprised to learn that there was a certain heavy value put on the unfinished works which were mainly advocated by Vasari, who claimed that even in an incomplete state they were better and more spectacular than the works of Michelangelo's contemporaries.
From looking at similar sculptures of slaves at that time, such as the two Michelangelo did complete for the tomb, I believe that the form of the incomplete 4 are actually much more powerful in displaying slavery and representing the figures as slaves. And I believe still that Awakening Slave is the most prominent in this aspect among them.
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