La Pieta, Eternal beauty in Michelangelo's masterpiece
Chapel of the Pieta Basilica Di San Pietro, coordinates 41.902183, 12.453937 in Vatican City
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Introduction
This iconic sculpture is located inside St. Peter's Cathedral, on the right side upon entering the church, and is the only protected piece. Created by Michelangelo in 1496 at the invitation of a French cardinal, it is his famous work and based on the story from the Bible depicting the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Christ. Although the Holy Spirit is grieving, she still carries a steadfast demeanor. Jesus lies between her knees, with a wound on his rib and his head hanging back while his right arm rests on the Virgin's right knee. The Virgin's face appears very young, dressed in a gown and cloak with her left hand extended backwards and her right hand supporting Jesus. Michelangelo broke with tradition by portraying the Virgin as a young girl, expressing the ideal of eternal youth and the noble image that she represents. The composition uses a pyramid shape, perfectly combining actual proportions and beautiful composition. The surface of the statue has been meticulously polished, smooth and bright. Michelangelo's signature can be found on the sash across the Virgin's chest, making it his only signed work. Address Chapel of the Pieta Basilica Di San Pietro, coordinates 41.902183, 12.453937 in Vatican City
Opening hours From April to September: 7:00am - 7:00pm
From October to March: 7:00am - 6:00pm
You can feel the Madonna's sorrow
