La Piedad

La Piedad is a Spanish phrase that translates to "The Piety" or "The Pity" in English. It is most commonly associated with:

• A city in Mexico: La Piedad is a city and municipality located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. It is a significant agricultural and commercial center.

• Religious Art: The term "La Piedad" is frequently used to refer to depictions of the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus Christ. The most famous example is Michelangelo's Pietà sculpture in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. The term "Piedad" in this context emphasizes Mary's sorrow and compassion for her son's suffering. Other artworks, paintings, and sculptures depicting this scene are also referred to as "La Piedad" when in Spanish-speaking contexts. The subject is a common one in Christian art, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The meaning of "La Piedad" in both contexts (the city and the artwork theme) retains the core concept of compassion, pity, and devoutness.