Description The Piet by Michelangelo in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo carved the Pieta from a single slab of marble in less than two years. His interpretation of the Pieta was far different than those previously created by other artists. Michelangelo decided to create a youthful, serene and celestial Virgin Mary instead of a broken hearted and somewhat older woman. According to Giorgio Vasari, shortly after the installation of his Piet Michelangelo overheard someone remark that it was the work of another sculptor, Cristoforo Solari. Michelangelo then carved "MICHAELAGELUS BONAROTUS FLORENTIN[US] FACIEBA" on the sash running across Mary's breast. It was the only work he ever signed. He later regretted his outburst of pride and swore to never sign another work of his hands.