1. Pieta by Michelangelo
Pieta is located in St. Peter’s basilica in Vatican and it was created in 1499. No wonder we chose this piece to be the first one on the list because Michelangelo was arguably the most influential sculptor of all time. He completed Pieta when he was only 24 years old. Pieta is a theme in Christian art, it depicts Virgin Mary supporting the body of Christ after the Crucifixion. It is not a part of the Biblical narrative but it is a very important part of Christian art. What is interesting is that Michelangelo was criticized for showing Mary too young, considering that Jesus Christ was 33 years old at the time of the Crucifixion. Yet, Michelangelo said that her youth actually symbolizes her incorruptible purity. It is such a beautiful idea. Also, Pieta is the only sculpture that Michelangelo actually signed. His signature can be found across Mary’s chest.