Michelangelo, Pietà, c. 1499, marble, St. Peter’s, Vatican

In connection to this week's Art history book, today's artwork is created by Michelangelo. It is his famous
Pietà. 
It is one of the first great works of the artists and was created in 1499 for the tomb of the French cardinal Jean de Bilhères. It is made from Carrara marble, known for its pure white colour, which Michelangelo prefered for most of his sculptures. The idealised characteristics of a very young Madonna have been widely discussed, while the work is being admired both for its beauty and its technique.