Artwork Details
Title: Pietà
Artist: Michelangelo Buonarroti
Date: 1498–1499
Medium: Carrara marble
Dimensions: 174 cm × 195 cm (68.5 in × 76.8 in)
Location: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
The Pietà is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture by the Italian artist Michelangelo, created between 1498 and 1499. It depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus Christ after the Crucifixion. It is one of Michelangelo's most famous works and considered a significant achievement in Renaissance art.
About Michelangelo
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance. Born in Caprese, near Florence, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time.
His major works include the statue of David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. His work is characterized by its emotional intensity, anatomical accuracy, and dramatic power.
The Renaissance Context
The High Renaissance (roughly 1490s to 1527) was the culmination of the Italian Renaissance. This period saw the production of some of the most revered works of art in history, created by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo.
Art during this era emphasized humanism, realism, and classical ideals. Artists sought to portray the human form with unprecedented naturalism and to explore complex themes with intellectual depth. The patronage of the Church and wealthy families fueled a remarkable output of art that continues to inspire centuries later.