Pieta (Michelangelo) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pietà |
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| Artist | Michelangelo |
| Year | 1498–1499 |
| Type | Marble |
| Dimensions | 174 cm × 195 cm (68.5 in × 76.8 in) |
| Location | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
The Pietà is a very famous statue created by the Italian artist Michelangelo. It shows Mary, the mother of Jesus, holding her son after he was crucified. This beautiful sculpture is made from a single block of marble. You can find it today in Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It is one of the most well-known artworks in the world.
Contents
What is the Pietà?
The word "Pietà" means "pity" or "compassion" in Italian. This artwork shows a sad but peaceful moment. Mary holds Jesus's body on her lap. She looks down at him with great sorrow. Michelangelo wanted to show Mary's deep love and grief. He also wanted to show the beauty of the human body.
Who was Michelangelo?
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was a famous Italian artist. He lived from 1475 to 1564. He was a sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. He is known as one of the greatest artists of all time. He created the Pietà when he was only 24 years old. This statue helped him become very famous.
How the Statue Was Made
Michelangelo carved the Pietà from a single piece of Carrara marble. This type of marble is known for its pure white color. Carving such a large and detailed statue from one block was very difficult. Michelangelo worked on it for about two years. He paid close attention to every detail. He made the clothes look soft and flowing. He also made the bodies look very real.
A Famous Artwork's History
The Pietà was first made for a French cardinal's tomb. It was placed in a church in Rome. Later, it was moved to Saint Peter's Basilica. Millions of people visit it every year. It is one of the most important artworks in the Vatican.
An Unfortunate Event
In 1972, the Pietà was attacked by a man. He damaged parts of the statue with a hammer. People around the world were very sad. The statue was carefully repaired. It took many months to fix it. Now, the Pietà is protected behind a bulletproof glass screen. This helps keep it safe for future generations.
Other Famous Works by Michelangelo
Michelangelo created many other amazing artworks. Some of his most famous statues include:
He also painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. This is another one of his masterpieces.
Images for kids
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A detail view of the statue with damaged hand, nose and eye, May 1972.
See also
In Spanish: Piedad del Vaticano para niños
