Pietà (Gregorio Fernández)

The Pietà, also known as Sexta Angustia, is a breathtaking Baroque sculpture by Gregorio Fernández. This exquisite piece is housed in the National Museum of Sculpture in Valladolid, Spain. It was commissioned by the Illustrious Penitential Brotherhood of Our Lady of Anguish and stands as one of five similarly themed sculptures by Fernández.

In this poignant tableau, the Virgin Mary tenderly cradles the lifeless body of Christ with one hand, while his form lies slumped at her feet. Originally, this sculpture was part of a larger "paso" used in Holy Week processions, which also included figures of the good thief, the impenitent thief, Saint John, and the Virgin Mary.

Fernández created several other Pietàs, among them a notable one in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Burgos, another at St. Clare's Monastery in Carrión de los Condes, the Quinta Angustia in the Church of Saint Martín in Valladolid, and one in the Church of Saint Mary in La Bañeza.

The tradition of sculpted Pietàs in Castilian art boasts a rich history, with significant contributions from artists such as Juan de Juni and Francisco del Rincón.