Piëta 1547

Giulio Bonasone created this Piëta print with etching in the 16th century. The somber mood is set by the dark, dense lines and shading, offset by a few areas of light around the haloed heads of Mary and Christ. The composition is strongly vertical, dominated by the cross. This structural element serves as a stark backdrop, emphasizing the tragedy of the scene. Bonasone uses line and form to create a sense of depth and texture, from the cross-hatched sky to the detailed rendering of Christ's body. The figure of Christ is placed diagonally across Mary’s lap, drawing our eye from His face, down His body to the bottom right of the scene. Notice how Bonasone uses the lines and the relative positioning of the two bodies to create a cohesive structure. This arrangement reflects a humanistic approach, where emotion and personal connection are central, inviting us to reflect on grief and sacrifice.