Today I went to visit the Pietà Rondanini at the Castello Sforzesco. I've tried to write down the thoughts and feelings it aroused in me.
If you observe the whole statue from various perspectives, you are led in a movement that from the curve of Christ's feet to the right continues climbing with a curve to the left up to Mary's head, and then descends along Mary's entire back until it rejoins the feet of the Son.
Seen from the right side, a curved line stands out that runs through the whole statue as in a single large well-characterized movement: as if to express, in my opinion, the mental attitude of someone who - in the face of severe pain experienced - does not stiffen in a straight position and petrified, but instead "moves" with a multiplicity of inner attitudes (concentration, gentleness, strength, acceptance...) surrounded and supported by a large curved gesture of protection that contains them all in itself.
I was particularly struck by the deep curve of Mary's back, which can be observed from the rear: it is imposing and seems to physically express how strong the experience of total commitment and dedication to support the other can be at certain moments, when at the moment of loss of vital forces and exhaustion.
It makes one think of the ability in man to take charge of the other, or to the strength of com-passion.