Pietà

Pietà is Italian for pity, as in "have pity with me". In the arts the word is used to reference images of Mary with her deceased son. The Bible does not mention such a moment.

The composition shows the master's skill. As with his David, the figures are out of proportion: necessary, as it would otherwise be impossible to achieve the desired pyramidal structure.

The right hand supports the dead body, while the left hand seems to call for compassion. Against tradition, Mary is shown as a young woman. Michelangelo is said to have explained that choice as a consequence of her virginity, which would have kept her youthfull.

This Pietà was made for St. Peter's Basilica, in Rome, where it still is on display. It is probably Michelangelo's most famous sculpture, maybe only matched by his David in Florence. It is the only work he ever signed.