The Pietà under the Cross of Golgotha - Giulio Bonasone

A fine Renaissance engraving by Giulio Bonasone, depicting the Virgin Mary and the body of Christ after a design by Michelangelo.

This engraving by Giulio Bonasone depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Christ, a subject known as the Pietà. The composition is based on a design by Michelangelo, as indicated by the inscription at the base of the print. Bonasone, an Italian engraver and painter active in Bologna, was known for his technical skill in reproducing the works of contemporary masters through the medium of printmaking.

The scene is set at the foot of the cross, which dominates the upper portion of the image. The figures are rendered with a focus on anatomical precision, reflecting the influence of Michelangelo's sculptural approach to the human form. The Virgin Mary is shown in a seated position, supporting the weight of Christ across her lap. Her expression is one of quiet sorrow, while the body of Christ is depicted with a sense of physical exhaustion. The background features a sparse, atmospheric horizon, which directs the viewer's attention to the central figures.

Bonasone employs a system of fine lines and cross-hatching to create volume and shadow. This technique allows for a range of tones, from the deep shadows within the folds of the drapery to the lighter areas on the skin of the figures. The cross itself is rendered with clear, vertical lines, providing a stable geometric structure that contrasts with the softer, more organic forms of the figures below. The inclusion of the inscription serves to document the collaboration between the inventor of the design and the printmaker, a common practice in the sixteenth century for disseminating artistic ideas across Europe. This print offers a clear example of the technical capabilities of Renaissance printmakers in translating complex painterly or sculptural concepts into a monochromatic medium.