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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Replica of Michelangelo's Pieta
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Replica of Michelangelo's Pieta

Artifact IDMO 63.6096
Object Type Sculpture
Date c. 1960
Date Presented7/2/63
Gifter
Medium Marble
DimensionsOverall H 28 in x W 28 in x D 15 in, Wt 800 lb (71.1 cm x 71.1 cm x 38.1 cm x 362.9 kg)
Physical DescriptionCarved replica of the Pieta, very similar to Michelangelo's original in overall composition and detail, depicting the dead body of Jesus in the arms of his mother Mary, after his crucifixion. Jesus bears the wounds of crucifixion on his rib cage and feet. The base is inscribed in Latin: "PAULUS VI P.M. IOANNI F. KENNEDY POSTR. KAL. IUL. A. MCMLXIII." (Pope Paul the VI Pontificus Maximus for John F. Kennedy on the day following the 1st of July 1963).
Historical NoteThis replica was received in Rome during President Kennedy's state visit to Italy, July 2, 1963.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President and Mrs. Kennedy from Pope Paul VI. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view