Pietà (after Giovanni Cariani) 1807 - 1861

Johann David Passavant created this pencil drawing, *Pietà (after Giovanni Cariani)*, in the 19th century. The composition invites us to consider themes of grief and compassion through its arrangement of figures and subtle tonal variations. Notice how Passavant uses the medium of pencil to create soft, diffused light, enhancing the emotional depth of the scene. The figures of Christ and the two Marys are rendered with delicate lines, emphasizing their vulnerability and sorrow. The pyramidal structure, with Mary holding Christ at its base, draws our eyes to the focal point of suffering. The stark contrast between the illuminated bodies and the shadowed background adds to the dramatic tension. The use of line and shading not only shapes the figures but also conveys a sense of texture. This interplay between form and emotion invites us to reflect on the broader philosophical concepts of sacrifice, loss, and the human condition. The artwork serves as a profound meditation on the Pietà theme, interpreted through the formal language of drawing.