This breathtaking sculpture was originally commissioned for a tombstone by a French Cardinal, but is now one of the most striking pieces of religious art in the world. Michaelangelo achieved near perfection in sculpting the marble to resemble soft fabric and the delicateness of human flesh. "Pieta" was a common theme in art and depicted Jesus in the arms of his grieving ("piteous") mother after being removed from the cross. The sculpture is constructed in a pyramid, with Mary's body proportionally larger than Christ's to create a geometrically intact composition. The folds of her fabric are full and soft, while Jesus's body is starkly bony and lifeless.

Great emotion is evoked on Mary's face as she holds her son. Michaelangelo intentionally worked spiritual truths into the sculpture for reflection. Mary's right hand cradles her son as she would have done many times, while her left hand is opened toward God in an offering posture. Mary's life was full of this tension, loving her son and simultaneously accepting he was the Son of God and was on earth to do the will of his Father.