The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 20, 2024
Pietà
late 1500s
Unframed: 117 x 89 cm (46 1/16 x 35 1/16 in.)
Location: not on view
Description
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 and highlight the sorrow of the Virgin.- Lucia McCurdy McBride (1880-1970), by gift to the Cleveland Museum of Art, 1915.
- Inaugural Exhibition. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (co-organizer) (June 6-September 20, 1916).
- {{cite web|title=Pietà|url=false|author=|year=late 1500s|access-date=20 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1915.407