Exact Replica of Michelangelo's Pietà in St. Paul, Minnesota Cathedral
Since 2010, a full-scale reproduction of Michelangelo's Pietà has been displayed in the Founder's Chapel of the Cathedral of St. Paul, Minnesota. This Beaux-Arts cathedral, which was designed by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray and opened in 1915, features the replica created by Vescovo Buonarroti Art, established by Steven Bishop, under a special license from the Vatican Observatory Foundation. The replica was crafted using a plaster cast made by Francesco Mercadali in 1944, and a unique marble blend that replicates Michelangelo's texture. The lighting design emulates the original's chiaroscuro effect. The Pietà, sculpted in the late 15th century, was relocated to St. Peter's Basilica in 1517 and showcased at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The anonymous donation of the replica supports the Vatican Observatory.
Key facts
- Replica of Michelangelo's Pietà installed in Cathedral of St. Paul, Minnesota since 2010.
- Cathedral designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, inaugurated in 1915.
- Replica produced by Vescovo Buonarroti Art, founded by Steven Bishop in Nevada.
- License obtained from Vatican Observatory Foundation in Arizona.
- Plaster cast by Francesco Mercadali from 1944 used for the replica.
- Original Pietà sculpted by Michelangelo for Cardinal Jean de Bilhères in late 15th century.
- Original exhibited at 1964 New York World's Fair in Vatican pavilion.
- Anonymous benefactor donated the replica to the cathedral.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo
- Emmanuel Louis Masqueray
- Francesco Mercadali
- László Tóth
- Joseph Capecchi
- Michelangelo Bedini
- Jean de Bilhères
Institutions
- Cathedral of St. Paul
- Basilica of St. Peter
- Vescovo Buonarroti Art
- Vatican Observatory Foundation
- Vatican Observatory
- Cappella di Santa Petronilla
- Saint Peter's Basilica
Locations
- St. Paul
- Minnesota
- United States
- Nevada
- Arizona
- New York
- Vatican City
- Rome
- Italy