Pietà Or Virgin Of Pity - France - 17th Century

A moving Pietà, or "Virgin of Pity," carved in polychrome wood in the 17th century.

The group is arranged in a triangular composition, with Christ's legs folded almost perpendicularly along the Virgin's robe. She wears a wimple and a large veil swirling on her left side, as if the wind were rushing through the drapery.

This dynamic movement of the drapery contrasts with the serene and gentle features of her face. Mary's right hand delicately supports Christ's head. He rests on the Virgin's lap, his body harmoniously aligned with hers. His right arm falls naturally towards the ground in complete and trusting surrender.

A feeling of serenity emanates from this moving sculpture, tenderly illuminating its beauty. The iconographic theme of the Pietà appeared in the 14th century in Germanic countries, specifically within women's monasteries where the suffering Christ and his mother, the Virgin of Mercy, were venerated. It subsequently spread throughout Europe, becoming one of the major subjects of European sculpture from the 15th century onward.

Dimensions:

H. 41 cm x W. 32 cm x D. 18 cm

France

Polychrome wood

17th century