Artwork

Pietà

Pietà, by Hendrick Goltzius, ink, 1596
Pietà, by Hendrick Goltzius, ink, 1596

Pietà is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hendrick Goltzius. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:in image, at center right: Ao. 96; in image at bottom center: HG

About this work

Overview

Pietà is an engraving on laid paper created by Hendrick Goltzius in 1596. It is a representative work of the Northern Mannerism style, characteristic of Goltzius's technical skill and intricate compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of Jesus Christ, capturing a poignant moment of sorrow and grief. The scene conveys a powerful emotional intensity through the detailed rendering of the figures.

Technique & Style

Goltzius's expertise in engraving is evident in the refined draftsmanship and expressive detail of Pietà. The technique of engraving allowed him to achieve a high level of intricacy, making the small work emotionally resonant.

Pietà
Pietà, Agostino Carracci

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrick Goltzius

Artist

Hendrick Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Pietà?

Pietà was painted by Hendrick Goltzius in 1596.

Where can I see Pietà?

Pietà is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Pietà?

Pietà is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Pietà?

Museum-quality prints of Pietà are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.