Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican

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The Pietà (1498-1499) is a world-famous work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, displayed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. It was the first of numerous works on this theme created by the artist. The statue was commissioned for French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, who served as Rome's representative. Crafted from Carrara marble, it was originally intended for the cardinal's funeral monument but moved to its current location in the 18th century. This iconic piece is notable as the only work signed by Michelangelo. This renowned artwork depicts Jesus' body on his mother Mary's lap after the Crucifixion. The theme originated in Northern Europe and gained popularity in France during this period, though not yet widespread in Italy. Michelangelo's interpretation of the Pietà was unprecedented in Italian sculpture, balancing Renaissance ideals with naturalism. The Madonna is depicted as unusually youthful for a mother of a 33-year-old son, a representation common at that time when depicting her during the Passion of Christ. Various explanations exist for this depiction. One theory suggests her youth symbolizes her incorruptible purity, as Michelangelo himself stated to his biographer and fellow sculptor Ascanio Condivi. Do you not know that chaste women remain fresh much longer than those who are not? How much more so in the case of the Virgin, who had never experienced the slightest lascivious desire that might alter her body? Another explanation proposes that Michelangelo's treatment of this subject was influenced by his passion for Dante's Divine Comedy. He was so well-acquainted with the work that when he visited Bologna, he paid for hospitality by reciting verses from it. In Paradiso (cantica 33), Saint Bernard offers a prayer for the Virgin Mary, stating "Vergine madre, figlia del tuo figlio" (Virgin mother, daughter of your son). This is said because Christ is one of the three figures of Trinity, making Mary his daughter, yet also his mother. This object forms part of "Scan The World". Scan The World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, aiming to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how. We thank Bhushan Arekar for the original model and Reza Sedghi for the revisions.