pietas

noun

1. the ancient Roman personification of familial affection, patriotism, and piety.

noun (sometimes lowercase) Fine Arts.

1. a representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of the dead Christ, usually shown held on her lap.

noun

1. a sculpture, painting, or drawing of the dead Christ, supported by the Virgin Mary

n.“Virgin holding the dead body of Christ,” 1640s, from Italian pieta, from Latin pietatem (see piety). A painting, drawing, or sculpture of Mary, the mother of Jesus, holding the dead body of Jesus. The word means “pity” in Italian.