Pronunciation: [piˈɛtə] (IPA) 
The word "pieta" is spelled "pieta" in English. Its pronunciation can be represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /piːˈeɪtə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "ee" sound, and the second syllable ends with a schwa "uh" sound. "Pieta" is a term used to refer to a depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion. Its spelling is influenced by its Italian origin, where it is spelled "pietà".
Pieta is a term derived from Italian, derived from the Latin pietas, which loosely translates to "piety" or "compassion." It primarily refers to a specific type of artistic representation, most commonly found in sculpture, that depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. This depiction is usually portrayed with Mary, often young and serene, supporting Christ's body on her lap in a tender and sorrowful pose.
The concept of the pieta has a religious connotation, representing Mary's profound grief, sorrow, and empathy towards her deceased son. It encapsulates the idea of maternal love and compassion, symbolizing both Mary's devotion to Christ and her role in the Christian narrative of salvation. The term pieta is also used to describe similar scenes in artwork depicting other figures, such as saints or patron saints, exhibiting a similar kind of compassion and empathy.
The most renowned and influential pieta is undoubtedly Michelangelo's sculpture housed in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. This masterpiece, created from a single block of marble between 1498 and 1499, intricately captures the tender relationship between Mary and Jesus, as well as the agony and anguish she experiences. It epitomizes the pieta as an inherent theme in Christian art, conveying profound human emotions and the spiritual significance of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption. Overall, the pieta stands as a timeless and poignant representation of compassion, grief, and devotion in both religious and artistic contexts.
The word "pieta" originates from Italian, a Romance language derived from Latin. The term "pieta" comes from the Italian phrase "Pietà di Michelangelo", which means "pity of Michelangelo". It is derived from the Latin word "pietas", which means "piety" or "devotion". The Pietà is a well-known subject in Christian art, particularly referring to the representation of the Virgin Mary grieving over the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion. The term "pieta" was first used in this context to describe Michelangelo's famous sculpture, "Pietà", created between 1498 and 1499, which is regarded as a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Over time, the word "pieta" has come to represent not just that specific artwork but also the broader theme and artistic representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the dead body of Jesus.
