Pietà 1530 - 1565

Curator: It's remarkably vibrant for something so solemn; it practically vibrates with energy, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Indeed! We're looking at a bronze relief known as the "Pietà," dating from around 1530 to 1565 and attributed to Michelangelo, held here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The way the figures twist and strain, their muscles bulging… It’s almost theatrical. Curator: That's Michelangelo for you – never content with mere representation! Notice how he takes a deeply familiar theme, Mary mourning over the body of Christ, but then imbues it with so much… What is it, Formalist? Raw emotion? I almost sense anger radiating from it. Editor: I think it’s useful to notice how Michelangelo disrupted Renaissance conventions. It's the tension in the composition, perhaps. God dominates in the center of the scene while angels grieve to either side of him, emphasizing this interplay between the earthly sorrow of the human Christ and the divinity looming behind Him. Curator: It's beautiful! Michelangelo really captures that moment so painfully, suspended in disbelief. I see this piece almost more about a world in mourning for someone lost too early! Editor: Exactly! It is quite extraordinary to think about it now, but the relief is like a mirror held up to society in periods of great conflict. Curator: But also this gold is surprisingly beautiful – and is something that the renaissance has given us in many ways Editor: Its color reminds me so much of the cultural movements happening within Florence, Italy when the piece was constructed. It has this interesting impact to it! Curator: It makes me feel alive - makes you question all that is happening in the world today! A somber theme with intense life and expression. Editor: It’s easy to get caught up in it, the history, and the art, itself. Curator: The emotions run wild; all wrapped up in gold. Thank you Michelangelo.