Points to appreciate the St. Peter's Basilica Pietà

 Points to appreciate the St. Peter's Basilica Pietà

AI's perfect review

When I asked SNS or AI, there was an overflow of really well-written reviews. I was thinking of just scooping these up, but I realized this isn't right. The desire to leave behind something unique and heartfelt is overwhelming.

First, a portion of the impressions left by AI.

Michelangelo's Pietà (1498-1499) is the pinnacle of Renaissance sculpture. This work in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican depicts the scene of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus, who was taken down from the cross, in her lap and mourning. It is a masterpiece carved from a single block of marble, standing 174 cm tall, and is Michelangelo's first masterpiece completed around the age of 24, and the only work he has ever signed. The signature "MICHAEL ANGELVS BONAROTVS FLORENTINVS FACIEBAT" engraved on the Virgin Mary's shoulder sash reveals the confidence of the young artist.

The human heart that even AI cannot express.

In the preceding paragraph, the AI provided a rough overview of Pieta's specifications. With this, the role of AI must end, and the feeling of human leadership must emerge again, because only then will love, a universal truth of humanity, emerge.

The second Pieta I see, and my impressions.

Exactly 30 years ago, when I first visited Italy and saw this Pietà at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, I felt a sense of astonishment and bewilderment that almost made me gasp for air. What stood in front of me was clearly marble, but it felt like a sculpture made of soft silk fabric. The resolve to re-examine this feeling led me back to the Vatican in Rome 30 years later.

Michelangelo's technique of treating marble like the 'flesh' of a real flesh was undoubtedly blessed by God. In Jesus' body, the fine details of tendons, blood vessels, and muscles are vividly expressed, yet they transcend the pain of death and are sublimated into sacred beauty. The face of the Virgin Mary is depicted as a young woman, with a serene smile. Michelangelo explained, "The Virgin is an eternal being, so there is no trace of time." I deeply feel the restrained maternal love and the power of faith amidst sorrow.

The folds of the Virgin's cloak are as soft and vibrant as real fabric, not stone. The excellent weight and shadow handling create a sense of space, naturally drawing the viewer's attention. The transparency and light reflection of the marble breathe a radiant life into the artwork.

Pieta is an immortal masterpiece that eternally engraves not only its technical perfection but also human suffering, faith, and maternal love. Savoring the details from afar, up close, brings to life the impact of 500 years. Even today, it offers deep comfort and reflection to visitors. Seeing Pieta again after 30 years, the sad expression of the Virgin Mary evokes a heart-wrenching emotion in the viewer. Michelangelo must truly be a genius bestowed by heaven.