Michelangelo's Pietà in St. Peter's Basilica: Its Original Role as a Cardinal's Tomb Monument

In this lecture, Dr. Andrei Antokhin will explore how an object’s interpretation in its current context can differ from its original intent, focusing on Michelangelo’s Pietà as an example. While now displayed as a sacred object for prayer in a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary at St. Peter’s Basilica, this placement contrasts with Michelangelo’s initial vision of the sculpture as a Cardinal's tomb monument, which fostered a more intimate, Christ-centered spiritual connection with the faithful.