pietà

Definition

A sculpture or painting of the Virgin Mary holding and mourning the dead body of Jesus.

Etymology

From Italian pietà. Doublet of piety, and pity.

Example Sentences

• "Two ladies were already in the cloister chapel, with a gentleman. As Kitty and her friend entered, these persons had just finished their inspection of the damaged but most beautiful "Pietà" which hangs over the altar, and their faces were towards the entrance."
• "Whereas Beuys's early sculptural work was consciously formed within a modernized version of the stylized Romanesque tradition of art, frequently with a Christian content such as crucifixions or pietàs, he gradually was able to free himself from this more traditional approach."
• "Ceremonial masks, Hindu deities, and pietàs shine down on you."