The first reunion of the three Pietàs sculptures by Michelangelo
The exhibition “The Three Pietàs of Michelangelo: No one thinks of how much blood it costs” will be on display at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo until August 1, 2022. This exhibition is without a doubt one of the main art events of the spring in Florence.
For the first time, the three Pietàs (representation of the Virgin Mary mourning her son Jesus) sculpted by the famous artist Michelangelo are reunited for a special exhibition in Florence.
In the Tribuna di Michelangelo inside the museum, the three statues are on display close to each other to highlight them, allowing the visitors to have an overview of the artist’s talent. The exhibition gives the opportunity to see the evolution of the artist’s art and his state of mind.
Bandini Pietà
The Bandini Pietà, positioned in the centre of the Tribuna di Michelangelo, was already in the spotlight in 2021 with its restoration realized by the museum thanks to a contribution from the Friends of Florence association. This marble sculpture, realized between 1547 and 1555 is probably the most complex of the three. The statue’s four figures, including the elderly Nicodemus bearing Michelangelo’s face, were carved from a single marble block that stands over two metres high and weighs approximately 2,700 kilograms.
Vatican Pietà
Coming directly from the Vatican Museum, the Vatican Pietà (1489-1499) was first commissioned by the Cardinal Jean Bilhèers de Lagraulas whose instructions were to depict “the Virgin Mary, dressed, with the Dead Christ naked in her arms”. The famous marble sculpture was first placed in the chapel of Santa Petronilla and was then moved to the Saint Peter’s Basilica in the 18th century. Since its creation centuries ago, this sculpture is particularly recognized for its stunning beauty.
Best of Florence City Center Private Tour
Experience the best of Florence on this private guided tour of the city center. You’ll skip the line at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David before taking in the highlights of the city center from the Cathedral Square to the medieval district, Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio.
Rondanini Pietà
Finally, the Rondanini Pietà is a work of art that kept Michelangelo busy until the last day of his life. Started in 1552 this sculpture was never really finished and is largely influenced by the artist’s general state of mind. The artist in the last years of his life who was extremely focused on religion and on his relationship to God. Unlike the two other Pietàs, this one represents the Virgin Mary and the Christ in a more ghostly way with elongated postures which seems to reveal a detachment from the real world. The sculpture was bought by the Marquis Giuseppe Rondinini in 1744 and is placed in the Castello Sforzesco in Milan since 1952.
This exhibition is curated by the museum directors Barbara Jatta, Sergio Risaliti, Claudio Salsi and Timothy Verdon. It is a journey of more than fifty years through the artistic and spiritual evolution of Michelangelo.
THE THREE PIETAS BY MICHELANGELO
Until 1 August, 2022
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, 9
Opening Hours
Everyday 9am-7.45pm
Tickets
Ghiberti Pass
(Museum, Baptistery, Santa Reparata crypt)
Full: 15€ – Reduced: 5€
Giotto Pass
(Bell Tower, Museum, Baptistery, Santa Reparata crypt)
Full: 20€ – Reduced: 7€
Brunelleschi Pass
(Dome, Bell Tower, Museum, Baptistery, Santa Reparata crypt)
Full: 30€ – Reduced: 12€
The three Pietàs by Michelangelo-Guided tour (English language)
11:30am
Full: 20€ – Reduced: 10€
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