Source Image: PR670_05_09 of Michelangelo's Florentine Pieta of Florence: Miscellaneous Renaissance Sculpture

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Description

Michelangelo's unfinished Florence Pieta.

Monument: Florence: Miscellaneous Renaissance Sculpture
Monument Part: Michelangelo's Florentine Pieta
Monument Type: Statuary
Material(s): Undefined white marble (Visual identification)
Date: circa ad 1547 - circa ad 1553
Keywords: Jesus
Collections: Florence

Location

Original Location: Florence
Current Location: Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process: Roughing-out
Tool: Point
Method: Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description: Parallel marks of point chiselling can be seen on the base of the statue.

2. Toolmarks

Process: Rough shaping
Tool: Point
Method: Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description: Remnants of rough work with the point can be seen between the heads of the heads of the figures on the right.

Notes

Michelangelo was the primary sculptor of this piece, with two assistants likely finishing the work. It seems the piece was being broken up, likely because the figure of Mary Magdalene was out of proportion with the rest of the work and suggests the piece was carved by eye. The arm was pieced and the leg of Jesus was repaired.