Michelangelo’s Pieta (The Pity) is among the most beautiful masterpieces of art in the entire world.
In my opinion, this statue is simply The Masterpiece. There is a sublime, stunning beauty in La Pietà di Michelangelo. It is my favorite piece of Italian art.
St. Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City, is home for this masterwork. The sculptor, Michelangelo Buonarroti, made it entirely out of Carrara marble. Originally the sculpture was made as a funeral monument, but in the 18th century, it was moved to the current location. It is the only masterpiece Michelangelo ever signed.
This work of art, recognized all over the world, represents the body of Jesus cradled in the lap of his mother Mary after the crucifixion. It has a pyramidal structure, with the vertex coinciding with Mary’s head. Michelangelo carefully studied his subject before creating every minute detail of this breathtaking, awe-inspiring sculpture.
The Mystery of Michelangelo’s Pieta
The reason Michelangelo’s Pieta presents a young, beautiful Mary rather than an older woman around 50 years of age, will remain a mystery forever.
Christ’s face doesn’t reveal the signs of the passion because Michelangelo didn’t want his statue to represent death but rather to show a particular vision of abandonment and the depth of a mother’s love.
What amazes me is the fact that this sculpture was made in less than two years (1498-1499), yet it gave immortality to the sculptor. In two years Michelangelo made this gift to humanity, and it’ll remain exactly that forever.
It was not an easy photograph for me to create. St. Peter’s Basilica is always crowded and finding the right moment was challenging. Also, the use of a tripod in the Basilica is strictly forbidden and the lighting was poor.
The practical consequence of these factors is that due to the long exposure time necessary and the lack of a tripod, having a sharp photograph was extremely difficult. I was fortunate, and my experience helped me figure out a way around these problems.
I found a column on which to press my camera to stabilize it and I waited for the specific moment when no one was in front of me and the light was just right. It takes great patience to get the best possible image.
Something you probably don’t know
If you observe the work, you will surely notice two details: the Virgin’s gaze is down and her left hand is pointing up. This emphasizes her pain and resignation over her beloved son’s death.
The sculpture has a pyramidal structure enlarging towards the bottom. The vertex is the Virgin’s head and the base stands for the Calvary mountain. If you pay attention, you will notice Christ is smaller than Mary, absolutely in contrast with what the customer had requested—the request was for a full-sized sculpture.
The Holy Mother easily holds her Son in the commonly known celebration of Christ’s childhood. The rich drapery hides the different sizes of the two characters.
Another important, but barely visible, detail is the presence of a tooth in Jesus Christ’s mouth. It is the fifth front tooth, considered the “sin tooth,” usually associated with the evil characters of the Renaissance. However, Michelangelo’s Pieta was illustrating that Christ had taken, on himself, the sins and evil of the whole world.
The Pieta doesn’t intend to represent Christ’s Passion, but rather a sort of abandonment, as demonstrated by the absence of any injuries on Christ’s body that would have been there after the ordeal of the crucifixion.
Meditating on the sculpture, you can also notice the peculiar brightness of its marble. Michelangelo dedicated a full year just polishing it. You could imagine he thought of its brightness in opposition to the partial darkness of Santa Petronilla church, where the statue originally stood.
Art and Emotion
Usually, I’m quite compulsive when I see a unique opportunity to capture emotion and story in a photograph. For me, it’s a split-second recognition that leads to creating the image. I see the image, I quickly set up my camera and I create the photograph.
When it came to Michelangelo’s Pieta, I had one of those rare situations where I observed a great deal before and after creating the photograph. I simply had to admire the statue with my camera still in the bag. The power of the message and the perfection of the execution was so tremendous that I couldn’t take my eyes away for a long while.
I’m Christian, so this image has a special meaning for me. I believe, however, regardless of your outlook you can simply stop and admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece. I’m proud and humbled to have the great privilege of recommending this photograph for your home.
I’ve chosen the panoramic format because it gives power to the overall composition, calling for the eye of the observer to focus on the center of the photograph. My wish is that whoever sees this photograph in your home, will feel compelled to stop and admire it. Your guests will be moved by it, and you can appreciate it and enjoy it every single day.
This photograph captures the intense emotion and exquisite craftsmanship of the statue, reflected in the soft glow of ambient light that bathes the marble in an ethereal luminescence.
As the photographer, my heart was stirred by the raw, emotive power of Michelangelo's work. The image tells a tale of humanity; it speaks of the profound love of a mother for her child, the silent agony of loss, and the serene acceptance of destiny.
It stands unique in its ability to convey such complex emotions through the stillness of stone. Capturing this moment was an attempt to freeze an everlasting testament to human feeling in a single frame, allowing the viewer to experience and interpret the depth of these emotions in their own unique way.
The gentle glow highlights the intricate detail of Michelangelo's work, casting subtle shadows that accentuate the poignant expression on Mary's face and the lifeless form of Jesus in her lap. It was this quiet, introspective moment, set against the background of the remarkable Basilica, that I sought to encapsulate in this photograph.
This photography appeals to the individual who appreciates depth and emotions, who values the delicate balance of light and shadow, and who understands the silent language of art that speaks volumes.
It's a statement piece, suited to any space in your home or office, instantly adding a layer of elegance and sophistication. This photograph has the power to transform a room, make a statement, and reflect your refined taste in art.
In a world dominated by fleeting moments and disposable art, investing in this photograph is a choice to embrace the timeless, the profound, and the deeply expressive. This is not just a photograph; it is a piece of history, a snapshot of raw human emotion, and a testament to the beauty of art. Stand out with this unique acquisition - your home will thank you for it.
Michelangelo's Pieta: a Museum Quality Piece of Fine Art Photography
What is important to me is that I help you transform your home into a place of elegance and character.
I live in a country surrounded by the most exquisite art and I share this experience through my photography. I’d like to share the beauty of Italian Art with you for your enjoyment and to enhance your home.
I’ve chosen to work in partnership with Fine Art America. It’s the largest custom framing company in the world, with over 40 years of experience producing museum-quality prints.
Fine Art America offers hundreds of different frames and mats in a variety of colors and materials. Certainly, you can choose the dimension of the photograph that best works for you and your décor.
We’ll deliver the photograph right to your doorstep. The expert framing staff will hand-craft your photograph and ship it directly to you with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Paolo Modena
My name is Paolo. I am a photographer. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Italy, surrounded by the art that is the envy of the world. I enjoy photography because it has caused me to fall in love with light, shade, and color. I see the world around me with fresh eyes every single day. And sometimes, when the mood is right, I just sit back and enjoy the moment without taking a photo.