Study to "Pieta"

'Study to "Pieta"' highlights the preliminary work Michelangelo underwent for his iconic masterpiece, 'Pietà.' It is an example of a sketch and study - the artist's initial draft depicting the mournful Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus post-crucifixion. This profound scene symbolises the 'Sixth Sorrow' of Mary and the image is set in Mount Golgotha. The final sculpture, made from Carrara marble, resides in Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. Serving as a benchmark in the history of art, 'Pietà' instigated the High renaissance, a period recognised for significant advancements in artistic techniques and ideas.