Michelangelo's Pieta - Detail

Detail of Michelangelo's Pietà, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

This image showcases a poignant detail from Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Pietà. Carved from a single block of Carrara marble between 1498 and 1499, it depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. The sculpture is renowned for its technical virtuosity, emotional depth, and idealized beauty.

Observe the exquisite rendering of fabric and flesh, a testament to Michelangelo's unparalleled skill. The serene, youthful countenance of Mary, a deliberate artistic choice, conveys a profound sense of divine acceptance and sorrow, rather than overwhelming grief. This particular detail highlights the delicate folds of Mary's robe and the tender posture of Christ's body, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, sacrifice, and maternal love.