Pietà
1504
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1504
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
Pietà is a 1504 unspecified by Unknown, a Mannerism work, depicting Lamentation of Christ, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
You see Mary cradling Jesus after the crucifixion, with Nicodemus holding his shoulders, Mary Magdalene at his feet, and John the Apostle weeping behind them. This scene isn’t in the Bible—it started in Germany in the 1300s and spread to Italy later. The faces here are calm, almost too still for the grief you’d expect. That quietness makes it feel strange, like the painter wanted to show sorrow without screaming. Look up more paintings of this subject: *possibly italy, florence, late 16th century, or later*.
Originating in Germany in the 1300s, the intense moment of lamentation, often referred to as a pietà, has no origin in the Bible. Though it was more widespread in northern Europe, the poignant scene of Mary holding the body of her deceased son expanded into Italy as well. In this painting, Nicodemus supports Christ's upper body, Mary clasps her son's elbow as he lies across her lap, Mary Magdalene kneels at Christ's feet, and John the Apostle covers his face in grief behind her. The crown of thorns upon Christ's head and the blood still visible from his wounds recall the events of the Passion…
Read the full account in the museum source.
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