An innovative project brings new light to the iconic sculpture, enhancing every detail with sustainable technology and thoughtful design
In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, the Fabbrica di San Pietro has undertaken a series of restoration works to ensure the Pietà by Michelangelo, one of the most admired treasures of St. Peter’s Basilica, is visible and secure. Among these interventions stands the new lighting design project by iGuzzini, which reimagines the lighting of the marble sculpture, enriching the visual experience for pilgrims and visitors.
iGuzzini: lighting that honors the artist’s vision
As early as the late 1400s, Michelangelo paid special attention to light, shaping the marble surfaces so that even the flame of a candle could enhance the sculpture. With the new project, iGuzzini, together with lighting designers Guido Bianchi and Nicoletta Rossi, brings a light to the Pietà that respects the artist’s intentions while improving its visibility and security.
Technological innovation: Sipario, iGuzzini’s new projector
At the heart of the new lighting system is iGuzzini’s Sipario projector, a device designed specifically for museums and artwork lighting. With patented Opti Beam Reflector optics, the projector delivers a precise and uniform beam of light, highlighting every detail of the sculpture. The result is lighting that enhances the Pietà, bringing out the most subtle nuances of the marble and making every angle of the sculpture visible in its fullness.
A sustainable and adaptable project
The adopted technological solution is designed to reduce consumption and improve efficiency while respecting the environment. The Sipario system is made from recycled and recyclable materials and is easily disassembled for simplified maintenance. Its adaptability to different lighting needs allows for the creation of varying light scenarios, depending on requirements and events, thanks to control through the KNX system.
Lighting scenarios: a complete view of the Pietà
The new lighting system is divided into four lighting scenarios, each offering a different interpretation of the work. From the “sculptural” scenario, which emphasizes the plasticity of the marble with a balanced play of light and shadow, to the “cutting” scenario, which creates an emotional and impactful effect on the Pietà. Each scenario is designed to highlight particular details, such as the Virgin’s face or the Crucifix, offering a holistic perception that enhances both the spiritual and visual experience.
The new lighting not only makes the Pietà even more captivating, but it also helps emphasize the theological and devotional elements of the work, making it understandable in its full depth. With this intervention, iGuzzini continues to demonstrate how technology and art can integrate to enhance the world’s cultural heritage.
Ph: Matteo De Mayda
