PIETA - WHITE WITH BLACK BASE, 10.75 INCHES

The Pietà—a masterwork of devotional sculpture rendered in pristine white, elevated on a refined black base. Standing 10.75 inches, this piece from the esteemed Goldscheider collection exemplifies Italian craftsmanship at its finest. Each detail is meticulously executed, capturing the profound emotion and spiritual grace of this iconic Renaissance subject. Built to endure as a family heirloom, it represents both artistic excellence and lasting value.

Your purchase arrives fully insured, ensuring safe passage to your home.

The original Pietà is one of the greatest masterpieces of Christian art ever created. The most famous Pietà is the marble sculpture by Michelangelo, completed between 1498 and 1499 when he was only about 24 years old.

Today the original is housed in St. Peter's Basilica.

What Does "Pietà" Mean?

The word Pietà is Italian for "Pity," "Compassion," or "Mercy."

In Christian art, a Pietà depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after He has been taken down from the Cross and before His burial.

It is a meditation on:

• A mother's sorrow
• Christ's sacrifice
• God's mercy
• The cost of redemption

What Does the Sculpture Show?

The sculpture captures the moment after the Crucifixion.

Mary sits quietly, supporting the lifeless body of her Son.

Unlike many later depictions that show intense grief, Michelangelo portrays Mary with remarkable serenity and acceptance. Her expression suggests profound sorrow united with complete trust in God's will.

Why Is Mary So Young?

One of the most discussed features is Mary's youthful appearance.

Michelangelo intentionally portrayed her as young because:

• Her purity was believed to preserve her beauty.
• She represents eternal spiritual perfection.
• The focus is on her holiness rather than her age.

Michelangelo reportedly said that chastity and holiness preserve beauty.

Extraordinary Artistic Achievement

The sculpture is carved from a single block of Carrara marble.

Remarkable details include:

• The delicate veins in Christ's body.
• The realistic folds of Mary's garments.
• The balance of the composition.
• The polished surface that almost resembles living flesh.

Many art historians consider it one of the finest marble sculptures ever created.

Theological Meaning

The Pietà is much more than a scene of mourning.

It expresses several Catholic truths:

• Christ truly suffered and died for humanity.
• Mary willingly shared in her Son's suffering.
• Redemption came through sacrificial love.
• Death is not the end, because the Resurrection is near.

The sculpture captures the silence between Good Friday and Easter Sunday—the moment when hope seems hidden, yet God's victory is already at hand.

The Only Work Michelangelo Signed

The Pietà is the only sculpture Michelangelo ever signed.

After hearing visitors attribute it to another artist, he carved his name across Mary's sash:

"MICHAELA[N]GELUS BONAROTUS FLORENTINUS FACIEBAT"

Meaning:

"Michelangelo Buonarroti of Florence made this."

A Favorite Subject in Christian Art

The Pietà became one of the most beloved themes in Christian art. Many painters and sculptors created their own versions, including works by:

• Titian
• William-Adolphe Bouguereau
• El Greco

For Catholic devotion, the Pietà often symbolizes Mary's title as Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting believers to unite their own sufferings with those of Christ and His Mother.

Many people who see the Pietà in person at St. Peter's Basilica describe it as one of the most moving works of sacred art in the world because it conveys immense grief, profound peace, and unwavering hope all at once.