Research Paper On Michelangelo Buonarroti

Michelangelo Buonarroti was a world famous artist who lived during the Renaissance era and is responsible for creating the Pieta. The Pieta was created between 1498 and 1499 and is located in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. The word “Pieta” translates to “pitty” or “compassion” is a work of art that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Jesus after crucifixion, usually depicted in a sculpture. Initially the Pieta was believed to be the work of another artist which led Michelangelo to sign the work of art. This made Michelangelo’s Pieta the only piece of art that he ever signed and increased its popularity. The sculpture was created out of Carrara Marble and was initially made for the cardinal’s funeral monument. Although this great piece of art is made of Marble, there was a point in history were it sustained damage.

In 1736, Giuseppe Lirioni reconstructed the missing fingers and was able to bring the sculpture back to its natural beauty. Approximately 200 years later, The Pieta would once again be damaged, this time intentionally. On Pentecost Sunday, May 21, 1972 a mentally ill geologist named Laslo Toth proceeded to attack the sculpture with a geologist’s hammer. As he was striking the sculpture, he was shouting “I am Jesus Christ!” as pieces were flying of the Pieta. This attack damaged Mary’s nose which was repaired using a piece or marble removed from her back. Once the sculpture was reconstructed, it was placed in a bulletproof glass panel. The pieta is without a doubt a priceless piece of art and every security measure will be taken to ensure its safe arrival from Rome to New York