The Pieta by Michelangelo Buonararroti
Aug 3rd, 2008 by indigo-daisy
I lived in Florence, Italy for about a year before marrying my husband. During my stay, I read the book "The Agony and the Ecstasy" by Irving Stone about the life of Michelangelo Buonararroti. What an amazing book to have read while actually in the city of Florence. I would read a chapter, then rush of to a museum, basilica or some part in the city to see the actual painting, sculpture or building in which Irving 
Stone so eloquently described.
It was the time when I fell in love with the works of Michelangelo, my favorite being his Pieta. To give you an idea what a genius Michelangelo was, he was only 21 or 22 years old when he began this sculpture and it took him only 2 years to complete.
The thing I love about sculpture is that it is not a medium where you add to, so you can not mold and create what you envision. It is a medium where you take from and can not put back, so what you envision has to be perfect before you start.
The original Pieta is displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City , and I did have a chance to go see it on a brief visit to Rome. Sadly, it now sits behind bullet proof glass as it was attack by a mentally disturbed man with a hammer in 1972 where he took 12 blows to this most revered piece of beauty. It was then painstakingly restored and now sits protected in its own chapel.
This was the only piece in which Michelangelo actually carved his signature upon. You can see his inscription on the band that crosses Mary’s chest. It is said that he had overheard people arguing over who the creator was and he didn’t want another to take credit for his work. I imagine that it was his youthful pride that came into play as later he felt bad for his rash actions and vowed to never again sign another piece.
I have a small replica that sits in my living room and one day several years back, my neighbor who was dying from melanoma came over for a visit and saw it. He asked if he could hold it for awhile and I let him. I think in some small way he found comfort through it. It is truly a piece of beauty and there is something so pure about it with Mary looking so youthful and Jesus appearing so peaceful. The scene is not one of a tragic event really, it is more of an acceptance of how it is, yet what a pity it had to be.
I highly recommend the book "The Agony and the Ecstasy" by Irving Stone. And if you ever have the chance to visit Forence or Rome, I recommend you read it again.
Just a tidbit, there is an authorized replica of the Pieta in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney , The Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia, Brazil, St. John’s Cathedral, Korea , and Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Poznań .
Beautiful story and informative. It says so much about the heart that goes into art and how that spirit lives on and touches others.
Inspiring. Thanks!
Thank you Vicki. It is sad that when school need to start cutting programs for budget reasons, usually the first thing to go is the arts. Creativity, and the appreciation thereof is so important to the well being of our youth as it is a way to both express themselves and to learn from the talent of other. So many youth fall into the realms of commercialism which ultimately results in depression as it doesn’t have anything to offer their mind, whereas the arts have the ability to cultivate the spirit.
I couldn’t mold a jell-o, much less anything else. The detail is amazing, and there’s no do-overs if you mess-up on such piece. I can’t imagine the skill, patience and focus it must take to create such a work of art.
Of all the field trips we took back in my school days, I can honestly say that none of them were to anything “artsy”, and the science/history museum is the only museum I can recall going to.
You’re right, it is sad when the schools keep funding sports, yet choose to cut spending on arts and such.
I love Michelangelo. With artists, their is Michelangelo, then theirs everyone else. He had a truly mighty, energetic spirit that would not cease. The Last Judgement is indescribable.
I wanted to do 3 or 4 pages of Michelangelo quotes and art for my website, but ended up with 60 odd
enjoy http://ww.quotemaniac.com/Michelangelo1.html
Hi Pita, I have a hard time with jello myself lol
Rowen, loved your sight! You have quite a bit on Michelangelo, many of which I had the chance to see in person. I especially loved all the quotes.
Thats an absolutely exquisite peice of work. It appeals to me as a mother holding her child… thanks for the information on it
Gorgeous Indigo… how amazing to have seen it…thanks for the link on the Australian church…I love churches, mosques & templesof any religion. I love the architecture, the serenity of them… Funny since man first left the cave we’ve been building houses for the gods..
Thinking of Mary, I could think of nothing worse than loosing a grown son, perhaps thats why I love this sculpture, this tiny moment