[pee-ey-tah, pyey-tah, pee-ey-tuh, pyey-] 
) Fine Arts. | a representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of the dead Christ, usually shown held on her lap. |
| pie·tà also Pie·tà (pyā-tä') n. A painting or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding and mourning over the dead body of Jesus. [Italian, pity, pietà, from Latin pietās; see piety.] |
A painting, drawing, or sculpture of Mary, the mother of Jesus, holding the dead body of Jesus. The word means “pity” in Italian. (See photo, next page.)
Note: The most famous of four Pietàs by Michelangelo is a sculpture at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
