The Pietà St Peter Basilica Interior Vatican Editorial Photo

The Pietà 1498–1499 is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter`s Basilica, Vatican City. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. The statue was commissioned for the French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, who was the French ambassador in Rome. The sculpture, in Carrara marble, was made for the cardinal`s funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the north side after the entrance of the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed. It is also the only known sculpture created by a prominent name from the Renaissance era to be installed in St. Peter`s Basilica that was accepted by the Chapter of St. Peter. This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion.