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Michelangelo's aesthetic interpretation of the Pietà is unprecedented in Italian sculpture [ 2 ] because it balances early forms of naturalism with the Renaissance ideals of classical beauty. The statue was originally commissioned by a French cardinal, Jean Bilhères de Lagraulas, then French ambassador in Rome.
Pietà is a subject in Christian art showing the Blessed Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus Christ after his Descent from the Cross. Learn about the history, development, and variations of Pietà in sculpture and painting, and see famous examples by Michelangelo, Luis de Morales, and others.
- A French cardinal commissioned the Pietà for his tomb. French cardinal Jean de Billheres, who served the church in Rome, wanted to be remembered long after he had died.
- After more than 200 years, the Pietà was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica. The Late Renaissance church houses the religious monument within the first chapel to the right of its entrance.
- Michelangelo carved the Pietà from a single slab of marble. Specifically, he used Carrara marble, a white and blue stone named for the Italian region where it is mined.
- Pietà is the only work Michelangelo ever signed. If you look closely, the sculptor’s signature can be found across Mary's chest. Sixteenth-century art historian Giorgi Vasari told the tale of how Michelangelo made his mark
Pietà is a depiction of the Virgin Mary supporting the dead Christ, a popular theme in medieval and Renaissance art. Learn about the history, iconography, and variations of Pietà, and see Michelangelo's famous marble sculpture in St. Peter's Basilica.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Oct 21, 2019 · Learn about the history, iconography, and artistic features of Michelangelo's Pietà, a monumental marble sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding Christ. Discover how this work reflects the naturalism and balance of the High Renaissance and its legacy in art history.
Michelangelo, Pietà, marble, 1498–1500 (Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome) The Pietà was a popular subject among northern European artists. It means “Pity” or “Compassion,” and represents Mary sorrowfully contemplating the dead body of her son which she holds on her lap.
Jan 30, 2021 · Learn about the history, inspiration, and composition of Michelangelo's Pietà, one of the most famous art pieces of the Renaissance. The sculpture depicts Mary cradling the dead Jesus after the crucifixion, and reflects the political and religious context of the time.
