Pietà

[pee-ey-tah, pyey-tah, pee-ey-tuh, pyey-]

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

1. a representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of the dead Christ, usually shown held on her lap.

pietà

/ pɪɛˈtɑː /

noun

1. a sculpture, painting, or drawing of the dead Christ, supported by the Virgin Mary

Pietà

1. A painting, drawing, or sculpture of Mary, the mother of Jesus, holding the dead body of Jesus. The word means “pity” in Italian.

The most famous of four Pietàs by Michelangelo is a sculpture at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pietà¹

1635–45; < Italian: literally, pity < Latin pietās piety; pity

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pietà¹

Italian: pity, from Latin pietās _piety