Pietà
Unknown Artist
late 1500s
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
117 × 89 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
European Painting and Sculpture
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Philip R. McCurdy and Lucia McCurdy McBride
Accession Number
1915.407
About this artwork
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 tho...