Michelangelo’s Pietà, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, has captivated audiences for centuries.
But there’s more to this remarkable piece than meets the eye. Here are 18 interesting facts about the Pietà that will deepen your appreciation for this timeless work of art.
1. Michelangelo was only 24 years old when he completed the Pietà
The young artist finished the sculpture in 1499, demonstrating his exceptional skill and talent at a relatively early age. His ability to convey emotional depth and create lifelike figures set him apart from his contemporaries.
2. The sculpture was commissioned by a French cardinal
Cardinal Jean de Bilhères commissioned the Pietà for his tomb in the Chapel of Santa Petronilla, which was later demolished. The sculpture was moved to its current location in St. Peter’s Basilica in the 18th century.
3. Michelangelo’s signature is carved on the Virgin Mary’s sash
According to legend, he overheard someone attributing the work to another sculptor, so he secretly carved his name on the sash to prove his authorship.
4. The Pieta is the only work Michelangelo ever signed
Michelangelo was not known for signing his works. The Pietà remains the sole exception, making it a unique piece in his oeuvre.
5. The sculpture stands 5 feet 8 inches tall
Michelangelo’s Pietà measures approximately 5 feet 8 inches in height, 6 feet 4 inches in width, and 2 feet 2 inches in depth. Its size allows for intricate details and emotional impact.
6. The Virgin Mary is depicted as a young woman
Despite being the mother of an adult son, the Virgin Mary is portrayed as a youthful figure. This artistic choice represents her purity and eternal nature, transcending earthly age.
7. Michelangelo used a single block of Carrara marble
Michelangelo used Carrara marble, a high-quality white and blue stone from Tuscany, Italy, to carve the Pietà from a single block measuring approximately 68.5 in by 76.8 in.
8. Christ’s body appears to be held effortlessly by Mary
Michelangelo’s skill in portraying the human form is evident in the way Christ’s body appears to rest effortlessly in Mary’s lap. The artist’s understanding of anatomy and drapery creates a sense of gentle support and sorrow.
9. The sculpture was vandalized in 1972
On May 21, 1972, a mentally disturbed man named Laszlo Toth attacked the Pietà with a hammer, causing significant damage to Mary’s left arm, nose, and eyelid.
10. The sculpture was restored after the 1972 attack
After the devastating hammer attack in 1972, the Pietà underwent an extensive restoration process. A team of experts worked tirelessly to repair the damage and restore the sculpture to its former glory.
11. Michelangelo’s Pietà inspired numerous replicas & interpretations
The Pietà’s emotional power and artistic mastery have inspired countless artists to create their own versions and interpretations of the scene. From paintings to sculptures, the influence of Michelangelo’s work can be seen throughout art history.
12. The sculpture is protected by bulletproof glass
To prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the masterpiece, the Pietà is now encased in bulletproof glass. Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica can admire the sculpture from a distance, appreciating its beauty and significance.
13. Michelangelo’s Pietà is a testament to his anatomical knowledge
The artist’s deep understanding of human anatomy is evident in the realistic rendering of Christ’s body. Michelangelo’s studies of cadavers allowed him to create a convincing and emotive representation of the lifeless figure.
14. The sculpture’s pyramidal composition adds to its stability & grace
Michelangelo’s use of a pyramidal composition in the Pietà contributes to its visual stability and graceful appearance. (ref) The Virgin Mary’s head forms the apex of the pyramid, with her drapery and Christ’s body forming the base.
15. Christ’s wounds are minimally depicted
Unlike many other depictions of the crucifixion, Michelangelo chose to minimize the representation of Christ’s wounds in the Pietà. This artistic decision allows the focus to remain on the emotional connection between mother and son.
16. The sculpture was lent to the 1964 New York World’s Fair
In a rare move, the Vatican lent the Pietà to the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, where it was displayed in the Vatican pavilion.
17. Transporting the Pietà was a high-security operation
The sculpture was shipped in a custom-built, 2.5-inch thick crate with an 8-inch base, secured to the deck of the ocean liner Cristoforo Colombo. The crate was designed to float and had an emergency beacon in case of an accident.
18. Michelangelo returned to the Pietà theme later in life
Decades after completing the Pietà, Michelangelo revisited the subject twice more, with the Florentine Pietà (c. 1547-1553) and the Rondanini Pietà (1552-1564), though neither was finished.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
