Title of Art: Pietà Bandini
Artist: Michelangelo
Art Form: Sculpture
Date of Composition: 1547-1555
Event: Deposition
Subjects: Mary, Mother of God; Jesus, two other figures
Exhibit Institution: Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Opera del Duomo Museum)
Exhibit Location: Florence, Italy
VM Image #: 0036
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: January 6, 2023
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This pieta by Michelangelo includes four figures: Mary, Jesus, Nicodemus, and Mary Magdalene.
In this pietà, Michelangelo depicted Nicodemus holding the deceased Christ from behind, the Virgin Mary holding his left side, and Mary Magdalene at his feet. The Virgin's deep sorrow is evident as her face touches her son's face, almost kissing him. Mary endured the grief of her son's crucifixion, and embraces him in death. Mary's cloak wraps around his chest, just as her arms wrap around his body. At Christ's feet, Mary Magdalene holds his legs, seemingly cold and distant, pulling her head away from his waist. Still, as Nicodemus holds up his arm, Christ's arm wraps around Mary Magdaldene, suggesting that even in death, all is not lost.