The artwork titled “Pietà,” executed by Paolo Veronese circa 1581, is an oil painting on canvas that measures 111.5 by 147 centimeters. This piece belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) movement and is classified within the genre of religious paintings. The artwork is currently housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork portrays the poignant Biblical scene of the deposition of Christ from the cross, with the lifeless body of Jesus Christ being mourned by his mother Mary, and another figure likely representing Mary Magdalene. Veronese employs a somber palette predominantly featuring dark, rich tones that accentuate the grief and solemnity of the scene. The use of chiaroscuro, the dramatic contrast between light and dark, emphasizes the forms and emotional expressions of the figures. The composition’s depth is further enhanced by the meticulous detailing of the fabric and the realistic rendering of the figures’ flesh. Veronese’s masterful brushwork and the emotive power of the depiction convey a profound sense of loss and sorrow, making it a notable example of religious artwork of the Mannerist period.
