The Pietà: the Virgin standing over the dead Christ, her hands outspread 1510 - 1520

Marcantonio Raimondi made this engraving of “The Pietà” sometime in the early 16th century. This print allows us to consider how images of religious subjects circulated in Europe at this time. The print depicts Mary standing over the dead body of Christ, with her hands outstretched in anguish. It is a clear reference to established visual codes: the "Pietà" is a common subject in Christian art and would have been easily recognizable to viewers. Raimondi was Italian and his style reflects the artistic and religious conventions of the time, but it also makes us think about the role of the Catholic Church. Was he commissioned by the Church or was he commenting on it? By studying his prints alongside other historical sources, such as religious pamphlets or letters, we can better understand the role of images in shaping religious and political debates during the Renaissance.