Question

- Explain the subject, the circumstances, and 3 important elements in Michelangelo’s Pieta, 1499.

- List 3 accurate characteristics of Mannerism.

Answer 1

• One of Michelangelo's most famous works, "The Pieta" shows the body of Jesus draped across his mother Mary's lap. Its beautiful mixture of design elements makes it one of the most valued statues in modern history.The Rome “Pietà ” was an important part of the funeral rites for the cardinal that mirrors and amplies the liturgy surrounding death, particularly the hour of vespers.
• French cardinal Jean de Billheres, who served the church in Rome, wanted to be remembered long after he'd died. To achieve this goal, he hired Michelangelo to make a memorial for his tomb that would capture a scene that was popular in Northern European art at the time: the tragic moment of the Virgin Mary taking Jesus down from the cross.
• Although "The Pieta" is made exclusively of Carrara marble, which is very smooth, it appears to have a great deal of texture. From Jesus' lifelike wavy hair to the folds in Mary's dress and veil, the piece gives the idea of having varied texture. Even the skin of Mary and Jesus appear to have texture in all the right places. For example, Jesus' hand that hangs down below Mary's knee has fine lines on its knuckles and fingers.
• The overall shape of "The Pieta" is triangular, which gives it a harmonious symmetry and draws the eye to Mary's solemn and beautiful face.Michelangelo has long been praised for marrying Renaissance ideals of classical beauty with poses that favored naturalism. Another nod to Renaissance influence is a structure that ultimately resembles a pyramid, formed by Mary's head, flowing down her arms and to the bottoms of her robes.
• To achieve different values in this sculpture, Michelangelo constructed curves and recesses that would create shadows to make different values. Using only white stone, he had to count on the light to create these values. Dark shadows appear in the folds of Mary's clothing, around her neck, and beneath Jesus' body. In contrast, the piece is most luminous on Mary's face and on the body of Jesus.
• The direction of the lines in "The Pieta" is very intriguing. Traditionally, horizontal lines suggest stability, tranquility and calmness, which would seem to be ideal qualities for the subject. Vertical lines suggest alertness, balance and formality, which would also be appropriate for the subject matter. "The Pieta" includes very few vertical and horizontal lines.
• The only horizontal lines belong to the rock on which the two figures rest. Instead, Michelangelo chooses to construct his piece with diagonal lines, which traditionally represent movement and action, although the two figures in the scene are as still as can be. These diagonal lines give "The Pieta" an intriguing and lifelike aura.
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