Artwork
The Pietà
The Pietà is a print by the Renaissance artist Marcantonio Raimondi. It dates from 1516 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Pietà is a print depicting the Virgin Mary mourning over the dead body of Christ. It was designed by Raphael and engraved by Marcantonio Raimondi.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Mary cradling Jesus after the crucifixion, her calm demeanor conveying a deep sense of grief. The composition draws on the traditional pietà subject, emphasizing Mary's statuesque pose and emotional response.
Technique & Style
The print was created through a process of drawing and engraving, translating Raphael's design into a two-dimensional work. The use of line and shadow achieves a sense of depth, while the rendering of Mary's robe evokes the texture of marble.
History & Provenance
Raphael's design was influenced by Michelangelo's sculpted Pietà of 1498, which introduced the composition to Italy. Raimondi's engraving, made two decades later, adapts this sculptural work for a different medium.
Context
The print reflects the artistic exchange between Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as the technical skill of Raimondi as an engraver.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marcantonio Raimondi, often called simply Marcantonio (c. 1470/82 – c. 1534), was an Italian engraver, known for being the first important printmaker whose body of work consists largely of prints copying paintings. He…
