Pietà, Religious memorial on Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic.
The Pietà is a stone sculpture on Charles Bridge depicting Mary, Mary Magdalene, and the body of Jesus Christ. It was created in 1859 by Emanuel Max and displays carefully carved details throughout.
An earlier work by Jan Brokoff from 1695 originally stood at this location but was later moved to the Monastery of Gracious Nurses. The current sculpture replaced that older version and marks the site of an even earlier wooden crucifix from 1496.
The inscription invites viewers to contemplate suffering and compassion through a biblical scene. It reflects the deep religious tradition that has shaped this bridge for centuries.
The sculpture sits on the south side of Charles Bridge and can be viewed directly from the bridge itself. The location is in central Prague and is easily accessible on foot.
The composition shows three figures arranged in close spatial relationship: Mary holds the body while Mary Magdalene kisses his hand and John the Evangelist stands between them. This intimate arrangement creates a moving visual story in a small space.
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