Pietà by Michelangelo created in 1498-1499
This is a Renaissance piece that portrays very different aspects than seen in previous Pietà sculptures. Pietà by Michelangelo is currently housed in St.Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
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Sculpting two figures was rare at this time period, but Michelangelo created Mary and Jesus to appear as one, in a unified position. They are also are in a shaped of a pyramid, with the point at Mary's head, this pyramid position was favored by other Renaissance artists as well.
The figures of his sculpture do not appear in proportion to one another. Mary's bottom base is much larger than her head, and much out of proportion to the cradled Jesus in her arms. This may be due to the difficulty in trying to depict a full grown man's body laying in Mary's lap, which would suggest the largeness of her base.
This scene depicts Mary holding the dead body of Christ in her lap after his crucifixion, death, and the removal from the cross, but before he was placed in the tomb. This is one of the key events from the Life of the Virgin, known as the Seven Sorrows of Mary, also the subject of Catholic devotional prayers.
The figures of his sculpture do not appear in proportion to one another. Mary's bottom base is much larger than her head, and much out of proportion to the cradled Jesus in her arms. This may be due to the difficulty in trying to depict a full grown man's body laying in Mary's lap, which would suggest the largeness of her base.
This scene depicts Mary holding the dead body of Christ in her lap after his crucifixion, death, and the removal from the cross, but before he was placed in the tomb. This is one of the key events from the Life of the Virgin, known as the Seven Sorrows of Mary, also the subject of Catholic devotional prayers.
Picture from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietà
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Mary's face in Michelangelo's Pietà is much different than those of previous artists. Michelangelo portrays Mary's face as youthful, possessing innocence, while other artists portrayed Mary as a much older woman. Michelangelo stated that Mary must be portrayed youthful to symbolize her incorruptible purity.
The emotional expression on Mary's face is seen as serene, almost tranquil . This is done by Michelangelo to minimize the suffering and wounds of Jesus. This shows the abandonment of Christ, representing the communion between Man and God. On the sculpture Mary's palm is open. This open palm displays the real emotion of the sculpture, inviting man to share the grief of Christ's sacrifice.
The emotional expression on Mary's face is seen as serene, almost tranquil . This is done by Michelangelo to minimize the suffering and wounds of Jesus. This shows the abandonment of Christ, representing the communion between Man and God. On the sculpture Mary's palm is open. This open palm displays the real emotion of the sculpture, inviting man to share the grief of Christ's sacrifice.
![Picture](/uploads/5/9/8/0/59802397/1704794.jpeg?379)
Mary's hand does not come in direct contact with Christ's flesh, rather she is cradling him with cloth. This is meant to represent the sacredness of Christ's body.
Picture from: https://lincolnmemorialsecrets.wordpress.com
![Picture](/uploads/5/9/8/0/59802397/8535057.jpeg?385)
This is the only piece that Michelangelo ever signed. It is thought that Michelangelo overheard men praising the sculpture, and claiming it to be the work of another artist. Michelangelo thought this was one of the greatest sculptures ever created, and he refused to allow anyone else to get the credit, so he carved his name on the sash of Mary. Later, Michelangelo regretted his decision, thinking it to be of vanity, and he vowed to never sign another one of his pieces. This sculpture became famous directly after it was created. This statue was created by Carrara Marble, which Michelangelo called the perfect carving block.
Pictured from:http://my.visme.co/projects/michelangelo-3bc72c