The Pieta

If you've been to the Vatican you've probably seen Michelangelo's sculpture "The Pieta".  Beautifully executed in white Carrera marble, it depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ after he was taken down from the cross.  This is a mosiac replica of her face.  Mosaic "paintings" are  big ticket items in the stores around the Vatican.  Small pieces of colored Italian glass in a myriad of colors take the place of paint. And they're all meticulously done.

"The Pieta"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

The Pieta

This might be more appropriate for Easter but I think this is one of Michelangelo's greatest pieces of sculpture.  Finished in 1499 and the only piece where his signature is visable (it's on the sash the Madonna is wearing) the Pieta is an intricately and delicately carved piece of marble.  It's the first thing you see when you enter St. Peter's Basilica.

"The Pieta"  © Kathy Dunham 2009