The artwork, titled “Pieta,” was created by Gustave Moreau in 1867 and is a part of the Symbolism art movement. This religious painting is housed in the Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie (Städel) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
“Pieta” by Gustave Moreau poignantly captures the sorrow and piety characteristic of its religious theme. The composition portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion, a common subject in Christian art highlighting themes of sacrifice and maternal grief. The painting features a somber, dimly lit palette dominated by earthy tones, which enhances the solemn and reflective mood of the scene. The background depicts a setting sun, adding to the melancholic atmosphere while simultaneously symbolizing the passage from death to resurrection. The figures are enveloped in a hauntingly ethereal light, underscoring the spiritual overtones of the artwork.
