In the Pietà, 23-year-old sculptor Michelangelo Buonarroti created what is probably the best known and loved statue in the Western world.
In this quiet but powerful sculpture, Jesus lies in his mother's lap, limp in a death from which he will soon arise. Mary's face reflects her loss, but also shows her serenity in knowing Jesus' death was ordained by God.
Shortly after it was unveiled in 1501, Michelangelo overheard people attributing the masterpiece to someone else. So after they left, he came back with his tools and carved his name across the band on Mary's cloak. It was the only time he ever put his name on any of his works.
