La Pieta, Vatican City

Michelangelo's first sculpture and the only one he signed, located inside Saint Peter's Basilica. The sculpture is behind glass thanks to the efforts of a whacko with a hammer back in 1972. There are multiple guides that point out interesting details of the sculpture and I would suggest that you read those and perhaps have notes ready so that you can fully appreciate the momentous work of art. You can't miss it and it is well worth a visit when you're here at the Basilica.

Today I realized one of my dreams which was seeing "la pieta" in real life though it was a little bit disappointing to see that the sculpture was protected by glass. Therefore, you can't see and appreciate the masterpiece within a close distance. It is wonderful to see Michelangelo's genius with this sculpture. He made mother Mary bigger than Jesus so that she can hold him like a little child. A perfect depiction of noble grief of a mother over the death of her son.

The only signed statue by Michelangelo (and if you are lucky enough to see David in Florence you can see a "rough draft") that is unfortunately behind glass. Unfortunately, with pressing crowds, it is difficult to get a good look or stay to view/study for any length of time. It is beautiful, life-like, and emotion stirring.

As a young 22 year old sculptor from Florence, Michelangelo had his first big break in Rome with his carving of the Pieta. The statue depicts a youthful Virgin Mary holding her fallen son, Jesus, after the crucifixion. The work is innovative because it blends Classical themes with Naturalism. Our Lady is depicted as a beautiful youth to evoke Mary’s incorruptible purity. The work was even deemed so beautiful that some in Rome doubted That Michelangelo sculpted it, and they began attributing it to another artist. To remove all doubt for future generations, Michelangelo Etched his signature into the marble. Upon entering St. Peter’s Basilica, the Michelangelo’s Pieta Can be found immediately in the chapel on the right.

This is the statue that made Michelangelo famous. After this work, he painted the Sistine Chapel, and created his other famous works. You can find it at the entrance to the basilica, under glass. It's breathtaking.