MICHELANGELO Buonarroti
(b. 1475, Caprese, d. 1564, Roma)

Pietà (detail)

1499
Marble
Basilica di San Pietro, Vatican

Proudly the artist has signed his sculpture on the band which ties up Mary's garment. Michelangelo may well have put his only signature on this work because of the holy site for which the Pietà was intended. He introduced a motif into the papal church with an image which tended to enjoy greater popularity north of the Alps. The sculpture now stands behind thick armoured glass after an attack some years ago.

The sculpture is signed on the ribbon across the breast: MICHAELAGELVS.BONAROTVS.FLORENTIN.FACIEBAT.