Michelangelo's Pietas

Paper Summary:

The paper takes a close look at the differences between two of Michelangelo's most acclaimed Pietas: the Vatican Pieta found in Saint Peter's Basilica and the Florentine Pieta found at the sculptor's tomb. The paper studies the difference in technique and intent in the two works. The paper also examines the social and atmospheric changes during the sixty years between the Pietas.

From the Paper:

"In "Swan Songs," an academic article on art and the aging process, scholar and critic Steven Kellman observes that Solomon, the Biblical ruler and writer of old wrote the "Song of Songs" in lusty youth, "Proverbs" in prudent middle age and "Ecclesiastes" as the mellow fruit of his final years. If ancient Solomon had verily believed that all is vanity, he would never have bothered to lift quill to vellum. Yet tradition says that he did magnificently, in an autumnal way, if only to bemoan the futility of it all. Of making books there is no end, laments "Ecclesiastes," but many of the brightest books are made in sight of the finish line (Kellman 111). So, too, can we see this autumnal, end-of-life spark and sparkle in the sculptures of the not-so-ancient Michelangelo Buonarotti."

More papers on Michelangelo's Pietas:

• Comparison Essay # 108633 : "Michelangelo's "Pieta" and Bernini's "Saint Teresa"
• Comparison Essay # 120582 : "Comparison of Two Pietas"
• Essay # 53644 : "The Life and Works of Michelangelo"

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