A masterpiece of Renaissance art and arguably one of the most moving sculptures ever created, Michelangelo’s La Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus Christ. This statue is the most notable work inside Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo was only 24 when he carved this complex work of art from a single slab of marble. He chose to show the Virgin as a youthful woman in repose, rather than the older, grieving Mary of most other works on the same subject. Unique among Michelangelo’s sculptures, this is signed as his own, allegedly to prevent viewers from confusing his work with that of a competing sculptor. Legend has it that Michelangelo broke into the church after finishing his work and hurriedly chiseled his name into the sculpture before anyone noticed he was there. Add La Pieta and other attractions to your Vatican City trip itinerary using our Vatican City trip builder.
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Reviews
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Dustin H
I consider this to be the greatest sculpture ever created. The emotion reflected, the pose of Christ's body, and the detail on the clothing make this a must see and a Master Piece. more »
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marcyWyoming
We saw the Pieta before they put it behind plexiglass. It is t as easy to appreciate the unique beauty now, but still it is immensely impressive. It is so incredible to see marble made to look so mobi... more »
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Kelsey S
Michelangelo was around 25 years old when he created this. and this isn't even one of his most famous pieces. I can't even wrap my head around that, and yet there it was, just sitting there speaking t... more »
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