Robert Hupka's Photographs of 'La Pietà'
Braccio di Carlo Magno, the Vatican

Frank Abraham

Those of us who have had the glorious experience of gazing on Michelangelo's 'La Pietà' in the Vatican know what a breathtaking sight it is. The beauty and passion of that memorable moment is surpassed only by the awesome fact that a 24-year-old genius was its creator!

On display at the Braccio di Carlo Magno in the Vatican complex is the fabulous photographic essay of Robert Hupka's depiction of 'La Pietà'. It is easy to get caught up in the wonder of this magnificent piece of art from angles heretofore unavailable. We see this tremendous sculpture from every conceivable perspective that Hupka's lens could capture.

But more than just the perspective of different angles and light mediums, Hupka exposes the magnificence of Michelangelo's work by focusing his lens on every minute detail of his subject: from the resignation of Jesus' expression to Mary's compassion for the son she has just given up; from the folds of the Virgin's flowing robe to the Saviour's hair seemingly dripping with the exhaustion of his ordeal just finished.

More inspiring then all of this however, is the obvious passion that has driven Hupka to achieve his own masterpiece. Begun in April 1964 while in New York for the World's Fair (the only time 'La Pietà' has ever left the confines of the Vatican), this series of photos was completed in November 1965. During this period of his own artistic creation Hupka was mentored by a close friend, Charles Rich, whose deep religious conviction was the guiding inspiration for Hupka's creation.

'Every time you look at the 'Pietà' the startling quality of the figure of Christ becomes more startling. ...excelling even the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel reveals artistic grandeur. The Pietà portrays simple faith. There is sanctity in that statue.' Rich's description is brought to life by Hupka's eye. His creation would have made the master of 'La Pietà' proud.

Till 23 July 2004