A masterpiece of Renaissance art and arguably one of the most moving sculptures ever created, Michelangelo’s La Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus Christ. This statue is the most notable work inside Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo was only 24 when he carved this complex work of art from a single slab of marble. He chose to show the Virgin as a youthful woman in repose, rather than the older, grieving Mary of most other works on the same subject. Unique among Michelangelo’s sculptures, this is signed as his own, allegedly to prevent viewers from confusing his work with that of a competing sculptor. Legend has it that Michelangelo broke into the church after finishing his work and hurriedly chiseled his name into the sculpture before anyone noticed he was there. Make La Pieta a centerpiece of your Vatican City vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Vatican City trip planner.
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La Pieta reviews
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The only signed statue by Michelangelo (and if you are lucky enough to see David in Florence you can see a "rough draft") that is unfortunately behind glass. Unfortunately, with pressing crowds, it..... more
The only signed statue by Michelangelo (and if you are lucky enough to see David in Florence you can see a "rough draft") that is unfortunately behind glass. Unfortunately, with pressing crowds, it..... more »
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One of the many wonders of ST. Peter's Basilica. Particularly moving and easily visible on walking through this memorable church
One of the many wonders of ST. Peter's Basilica. Particularly moving and easily visible on walking through this memorable church more »
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Today I realized one of my dreams which was seeing "la pieta" in real life though it was a little bit disappointing to see that the sculpture was protected by glass. Therefore, you can't see and appreciate the masterpiece within a close distance. It is wonderful to see Michelangelo's genius with this sculpture. He made mother Mary bigger than Jesus so that she can hold him like a little child. A perfect depiction of noble grief of a mother over the death of her son.
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As a young 22 year old sculptor from Florence, Michelangelo had his first big break in Rome with his carving of the Pieta. The statue depicts a youthful Virgin Mary holding her fallen son, Jesus, after the crucifixion. The work is innovative because it blends Classical themes with Naturalism. Our Lady is depicted as a beautiful youth to evoke Mary’s incorruptible purity. The work was even deemed so beautiful that some in Rome doubted That Michelangelo sculpted it, and they began attributing it to another artist. To remove all doubt for future generations, Michelangelo Etched his signature into the marble. Upon entering St. Peter’s Basilica, the Michelangelo’s Pieta Can be found immediately in the chapel on the right.
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