Masterpiece Revealed

A Michelangelo's Legacy

Michelangelo created many of his works for the Vatican, including the breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the incredibly beautiful Pietà. Of all his sculptures, the Pietà was the only one he ever signed—it was both the consummate expression of his artistic abilities and an embodiment of the Divine inspiration that guided his work.

In the Pietà, Michelangelo focused on evoking the Renaissance ideal of spiritual beauty. For him, beauty was divine; it was one of the ways in which God communicated Himself to humanity. As one of the greatest sculptures ever created, it stands as a timeless icon of the Christian faith, inspiring millions of visitors who come to St. Peter’s Basilica each year.

Arte Divine presents Michelangelo’s Saint Peter’s Pietà. Michelangelo is widely regarded as one of the greatest artistic geniuses ever—a man whose name has become synonymous with the word “masterpiece.”

To Michelangelo, his hands and tools were instruments guided by Divine will. The concept of genius as Divine inspiration, a transcendent ability granted to a few rare individuals, is exemplified in his life and work.

“My eyes longing for beautiful things together with my soul longing for salvation have no other power to ascend to heaven than the contemplation of beautiful things.” — Michelangelo Buonarroti

Regarding the Pietà, art historian Giorgio Vasari wrote: “It would be impossible for any craftsman or sculptor, no matter how brilliant, to surpass the grace or design of this work, or to cut and polish the marble with Michelangelo’s skill. It is a miracle that a formless block of stone could be reduced to such perfection.”

Five hundred years ago, Michelangelo unveiled what would become one of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces of inspired art. Today, under exclusive license from Arte Divine, this masterpiece has been recreated in cast Carrara marble from a Vatican-authorized mold of the original. This posthumous Pietà is a precise 1:1 casting faithful to every detail of Michelangelo’s original.

 

Our Mission

...

At Arte Divine, we are dedicated to bringing Michelangelo’s Saint Peter’s Pietà to communities around the world, offering faithful reproductions of this monumental masterpiece. Our mission is to provide the faithful with the opportunity to experience the divine beauty of the Pietà, a work of art that embodies Renaissance ideals and faith. We strive to inspire worshippers, students, and the ill by placing these sculptures in Catholic cathedrals, churches, hospitals, and academic settings, fostering an environment of healing, hope, and spiritual connection. Each placement brings with it the same artistic and spiritual energy as the original, aiming to enlighten and move every person who encounters it.

Our goal is to ensure that millions of people—who may never travel to the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City—can still stand before the Pietà, allowing the art to serve as a reminder of the divine grace that guides our lives. We believe that through art, faith can be made tangible and accessible to all.

The Legacy

...

Arte Divine is committed to leaving a lasting legacy by placing 100 reproductions of Michelangelo’s Pietà in key locations worldwide. This initiative ensures that the faithful, no matter where they live, have the chance to experience this incredible work of art. Our goal is to create spiritual and cultural landmarks across the globe, where the Pietà becomes a focal point of pilgrimage, reflection, and faith.

Our 50-state Pietà mission within the USA ensures that every American can be within driving distance of this masterpiece, while our global mission spans across Catholic institutions, academic settings, and hospitals. By establishing these locations, we not only create pilgrimage sites but also serve as beacons of faith, hope, and healing. Each placement is a testimony to the enduring power of art to connect humanity with the divine.

With the support of generous benefactors, our goal is to continue expanding the reach of this sacred work, ensuring that future generations experience the same awe and inspiration that has been felt by millions over the last five centuries.

Michelangelo’s Saint Peter’s Pietà

Details

  • Artist: Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475-1564)
  • Medium: Cast Carrara marble
  • Dimensions: Height 174 cm / Width 195 cm / Depth 87 cm
  • Signed in the Cast: MICHAEL.AGELVS.BONAROTVS.FLORENT.FACIEBA[T]
  • Origin: Vatican-authorized mold of Michelangelo’s original Pietà (1498-99), Basilica of St. Peter’s, Vatican City.
  • Licensor Seal: Arte Divine Seal
  • Publisher Seal: The Medallion Seal of Arte Divine S.A.
  • Edition Number: Engraved on the verso base
  • Copyright Notice: © 2009 Arte Divine