Tondo Pitti by Michelangelo, Jubilee Collection

The Tondo Pitti, part of the Jubilee Collection, is a refined circular terracotta panel that embodies a masterpiece of Renaissance artistic tradition. This tondo is a faithful replica of the original marble sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed at the Bargello Museum in Florence. The original plaster cast, acquired from the Gipsoteca of the Porta Romana Institute of Art in Florence, served as the basis for creating this terracotta reproduction. The sculptural composition stands out for its transition from high relief in the upper section to a more flattened style in the lower portion, a technical solution that enhances depth and dynamism.

The subject is a scene of extraordinary spiritual intensity: Mary with the Child, with a barely visible Saint John the Baptist in the background.

• Mary is depicted seated on a cubic block with an open book on her lap, symbolizing the Holy Scriptures. Her pensive gaze drifts into the distance as she contemplates the prophecies regarding her Son’s destiny. The Virgin’s figure powerfully emerges from the circular space, breaking the rigidity of the body’s vertical axis with her head in high relief extending beyond the tondo’s border.
• The Child, in a lively contrapposto, leans his elbow on his mother, creating an intimate interaction between the central figures.
• In the background, Saint John the Baptist is faintly sketched, contrasting starkly with the detail and three-dimensionality of the Virgin.

Crafted in terracotta, the Tondo Pitti combines authenticity and refinement. This traditional material, warm and versatile, accentuates the depth of the reliefs and the softness of the lines. Fired at high temperatures to ensure durability, the terracotta is meticulously worked to replicate the marble-like quality of the original, while preserving its unique and symbolic aesthetic.

The Tuscan artisanal quality makes it a unique gift, destined to be cherished and preserved over time, celebrating Italian cultural heritage and offering an ideal solution for decorating and enhancing large spaces, especially during moments of spiritual renewal such as the Jubilee.

It can be paired with the Pitti Coat of Arms, creating a harmonious ensemble of great artistic value.