Pieta in Valenciennes, France

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The Pieta by René Leleu, a renowned sculptor from Valenciennes who secured the prestigious Prix de Rome award, stands as a massive granite public sculpture in the heart of France's most notable city. This abstract masterpiece bears striking resemblance to Michelangelo's iconic La Pieta housed within St Peter's Basilica in The Vatican, and derives its name from this legendary work of art. The monument serves as a poignant tribute to those who suffered under Nazi tyranny during World War II. Valenciennes, situated at France's northwestern edge near the Belgian border, bore the brunt of Nazi occupation, with its residents - many of whom were Jewish and young children - forcibly taken from their families to labor in Auschwitz. This captivating object is part of "Scan The World", a groundbreaking initiative launched by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a comprehensive digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. Scan the World is an open-source community-driven effort; if you possess intriguing items in your surroundings and wish to contribute, kindly email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can be a part of this noble endeavor.