Michelangelo's Pieta in Vatican City
Michelangelo created this work of art in 1498-1499. It is housed in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. In May of 1972, a mentally disturbed geologist attacked the marble masterpiece with one of the tools of his trade, a hammer. He shocked onlookers as he chopped away at some of the marble, including Mary's nose, shouting, "I am Jesus Christ." Some people actually grabbed pieces of the marble and absconded, but later some of it was returned. Whoever took the piece from Mary's nose still has it. The nose was reconstructed using a block from her back.
After the attack, the statue was removed for repairs. It is now protected by bullet proof glass. If you plan on taking photos, take a camera that will shoot in low light. You don't want a flash off the glass.
