A Concise History Lesson Behind Michelangelo's "La Pieta"

I appreciate art...but from a non-artist point of view. I know what I like but I can't really tell you why.

I would love to educate myself more about art and styles and techniques but I just haven't found the time or the right book to teach me. This is why I created a xomblurb instead of a xombyte...the referenced web-site does an excellent job with the history of "La Pieta" as well as the nuances of the piece but doesn't get too haughty about it.

"La Pieta" (Pity) by Michelangelo was formed out of marble in 1498 and the only thing that I can tell you is that I am constantly drawn to this sculpture.

This inanimate chef-d'oeuvre inspires in me emotions of humility, grace and love. And that's what I think art is supposed to do. It's not just "art for art's sake" (I'm talking to you MOMA) but the satisfaction of knowing that you have created a piece that will stand the test of time and the rigors of humanity.