Blogs

By Bridget Retzloff

The Madonna and Child — a young Mary holding her son, Jesus, as an infant — is the prevailing depiction of Mary throughout cultures and time. The Pietà, Italian for “pity” or “compassion,” depicts Mary holding Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. Though both compositions feature the same subjects, the emotions portrayed could not be more different. At the beginning of Jesus’ life, Mary is often depicted as serene, peaceful and joyful. At the end, Mary’s humanity is on full display as she mourns the death of her son. 

The theme of the Pietà was popular in France and Germany during the 14th and 15th centuries. Michelangelo Buonarroti’s sculpture Pietà, completed around 1499, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, is considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance. The theme continues to be popular in Christian art. The exhibit Pietà: A Mother’s Lament includes 40 modern pieces of art, created from 1912 to 2024.

Many of the artworks in the exhibit are on loan from John Kohan’s Sacred Art Pilgrim Collection. Kohan began building the collection after perceiving a dearth of “meaning” in modern art—a shortage of works that convey the narratives and teachings of the Judeo-Christian tradition:

What I have encountered on the way has intrigued, excited, and moved me not only to make art but to collect works by modern artists from around the globe who have been inspired by religious themes. It is the record of one pilgrim’s progress in rediscovering the majesty, meaning, and mystery of sacred art, something I’d like to share with art lovers on similar journeys.

—John A. Kohan, Sacred Art Pilgrim Collection

During the 40 days of Lent, Christians prepare to celebrate Easter. Some may participate in Stations of the Cross, a prayer service centered on artwork depicting the passion of Jesus. The Pietà is sometimes included as a station. Seeing many examples of the Pietà in the same gallery may invite reflection on the crucifixion and Mary’s sacrifice as the mother of Jesus. Unfortunately, many are familiar with the grief that Mary must have experienced. The emotion apparent in these depictions of Mary is a palpable reminder of her humanity. Amidst the sorrow in these scenes, some may often find glimmers of hope in the Resurrection — hope that must have given Mary strength, too.

Lenten Opportunities

Visit Pietà: A Mother’s Lament in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery through May 9. For more information, see go.udayton.edu/pieta. 

Daily Lenten reflections written by vowed Marianists and Marianist Educational Associates are paired with the works in Pietà: A Mother’s Lament. View the reflection for Ash Wednesday and sign up to receive these daily reflections via email. 

— Bridget Retzloff is an assistant professor and visual resources librarian in the Marian Library.