Creating a Worldwide Legacy

 Almost 550 years ago, a young Italian artist was hired as an apprentice to Domenico Ghirlandaio, one of Florence’s most notable artists.  The apprenticeship sparked a career that would become legendary – the apprentice was Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Michelangelo created magnificent works of art regarded by many as the greatest masterpieces of all time.  One of his most notable, La Pietá, is currently housed behind bulletproof glass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy where many travel for the opportunity to view his masterpieces.
Philanthropists and Santa Clarita residents Richard and Esther Stewart embarked on an art pilgrimage to Italy in 2010, and in the presence of Michelangelo’s works, they were inspired to launch a project they originally titled The Pietá Project.
“[Michelangelo] had a vision of sharing his pieces with the world, so 500 years later we’re working to fulfill his dream,” Richard said.  “Let’s share these awe-inspiring masterworks with the world!”
With that in mind, the Stewarts made an agreement with Arte Divine, which granted the couple the exclusive rights to a replica of Michelangelo’s La Pietá, recreated from the Vatican-approved original mold.  The plan to fund the reproduction of 11, 100 percent true-to-the-original, replicas quickly evolved into much more.  Today, 112 bronze Pietás have now been recreated with the intent of inspiring others to contribute to the legacy by strategically placing the pieces around the world.
Over the years, the Stewarts have also acquired the rights to other recreated Michelangelo works including Madonna and Child and Moses, with plans for more.  With this advancement, the project has been fittingly renamed The Michelangelo Mission, with the goal of bringing Michelangelo’s greatest works to those who otherwise would not be able to stand before the originals in their lifetime.  It is the Stewarts’ hope that these replicas will serve as beacons of love, hope and forgiveness.
Placement of the works is determined by donor contributions, and proposed placements are assessed based on the needs and goals of the potential location.  The Michelangelo Mission has thus far traveled around the world, unveiling replicas in New York, Texas and Honduras, to name a few locations.  The closest Pietá is right next door to Santa Clarita, conveniently placed at Bishop Alemany School in nearby Mission Hills.
For inquiries about The Michelangelo Mission or to learn more about contributor benefits, visit themichelangelomission.com, email Richard at rgstewart@helpww.com, or call 661-286-4334.