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

Example Sentences

One of Wilson’s last projects was an installation commissioned by Salone del Mobile in April Centering on Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà at Milan’s Castello Sforzesco, the project explored the Virgin Mary’s pain following Christ’s death with a combination of music, light and sculpture.

From Los Angeles Times

When I think of “Gomorrah,” his 2008 drama about a Neapolitan criminal syndicate, I immediately re-see the shot of two dead teenagers in the bucket of a bulldozer — a grotesque Pietà.

From New York Times

Going much further back in time is The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable, an epic novel set in 18th Century Venice and based on the real life of Anna Maria della Pietà who, taught by Vivaldi, went on to become the leading pop star of her day.

From BBC

After defeating Pieta, players continue to the main hub, the Skyrest Bridge.

From Washington Times

"The women of this country have been silent for too long," said Anna Pieta, who helped organise a social media campaign.

From BBC