About the Artwork
Title: Pietà
Artist: William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Date: 1876
Collection: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts
In 1875, William Adolphe Bouguereau suffered the loss of his eldest son Georges to illness, a tragedy that deeply marked the French artist’s soul. Out of this grief was born one of his most moving masterpieces, Pietà, painted the following year.
Unlike many Pieta where the Virgin Mary offers her Son, here she clings to Him with swollen eyes full of grief and accusation.
At the feet of Christ rest the crown of thorns, the blood-stained cloth, and the white robe of purity, symbols of His Passion and sacrifice. Bouguereau poured a father’s grief into the sorrow of a mother, transforming personal loss into sacred beauty.
Spiritual Reflection
This painting invites us to share in Mary’s sorrow as she holds the body of her Son, the lifeless form of Love Himself. Her tears are not of despair but of deep union with the suffering of Christ, who has poured out His life for the salvation of the world. In her silent grief, we see the fulfilment of Simeon’s prophecy, for the sword that was promised has now pierced her soul.
“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”
Luke 2:34–35
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Available Sizes
Choose the size that best fits your space:
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Small: 8 × 12 in (20 × 30 cm)
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Small: 11 × 16 in (28 × 41 cm)
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Medium: 16 × 24 in (41 × 61 cm)
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Large: 24 × 36 in (61 × 91 cm)
Need a custom size? Message us. We are happy to help.
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Product Details
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Faithful Reproduction: Sourced from verified public domain archives, each print captures the artwork in its true form. Every detail remains untouched as the gentle marks of age and the texture of the brushwork reveal the authenticity and timeless beauty of sacred art.
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Premium Materials: Printed on museum-grade matte canvas (410 gsm) that reveals the depth and texture of the original painting. Each piece is hand-stretched over a solid pine frame for a refined and elegant presentation. Canvas depth is 0.75 inch for small sizes and 1.5 inch for medium and large sizes.
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Archival Printing: Produced through the giclée printing process, recognized as the finest method of art reproduction. Pigment based inks capture luminous colour and delicate detail while supporting long lasting vibrancy.
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Ready to Hang: Your artwork arrives fully assembled and ready for your home or prayer space, inviting you to contemplate the beauty of faith from the moment it is unwrapped.
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Shipping Information
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Made to Order: Production is typically 5 business days.
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Fast Delivery: 5 to 7 business days after dispatch.
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Free Shipping: Within the contiguous U.S. and Canadian provinces.
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Secure Packaging: Each canvas is carefully packaged with protective wrap and sturdy materials for maximum protection.
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Guarantee
At Ave Maria Designs, your satisfaction is our highest priority. We are honoured to serve you by offering meaningful, high-quality sacred art that inspires prayer, uplifts the soul, and supports your faith journey.
Our Promise to You:
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Authentic Reproductions: Faithfully recreated from public domain sources or licensed archives.
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Museum-Grade Canvas: Giclée print on 410 gsm canvas, hand-stretched over solid pine wood with a secure back wire and ready to display.
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Customer Satisfaction: We stand behind every canvas we produce. If you are not completely satisfied, we will make it right.
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15-Day Return Policy: Most items can be returned within 15 days of delivery. Contact our support team to begin your return.
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Disclaimer: Artwork titles, artist attributions, and collection information are provided for historical and educational context only. Their inclusion does not imply any partnership, sponsorship, or endorsement by the institutions, museums, or private collections named.