

Custom Bronze La Pietà Sculpture – A Masterpiece of Faith and Artistry
Metropolitan Galleries is proud to unveil one of our most moving and reverent creations — a custom, life-size Bronze La Pietà Sculpture, designed and developed for the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. This breathtaking work of art measures 52 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 57 inches tall, embodying both artistic mastery and profound spiritual devotion.
Each detail of this sculpture was first sculpted meticulously in clay by our skilled artisans, ensuring the graceful lines, emotional depth, and classical form were captured with precision. Once approved, the clay sculpture entered the traditional lost-wax bronze casting process, a centuries-old method used by artists since ancient times to create enduring works of bronze art.
The Lost Wax Casting Process
The lost wax process, also known as cire perdue, is a time-honored technique that dates back over 5,000 years and remains the most precise method of transforming an artist’s vision into bronze. At Metropolitan Galleries, this process begins once the original clay model is complete. A mold is carefully made from the clay sculpture, typically using layers of silicone and reinforced plaster.
Molten wax is then poured into the mold to create a perfect wax replica of the sculpture. Every fine detail — from the delicate draping of garments to the serene expressions of the figures — is faithfully captured in this stage. Skilled artisans refine and chase the wax until it mirrors the original clay model in flawless detail.
The wax model is next encased in a ceramic shell and heated, causing the wax to melt and leave a hollow cavity — hence the term “lost wax.” Molten bronze, heated to over 2,000°F, is poured into the cavity. Once cooled, the ceramic shell is broken away to reveal the bronze sculpture beneath. After assembly and welding, the piece is hand-finished and polished, then treated with a fire-applied two-tone brown patina that enhances its depth, warmth, and timeless elegance.
This labor-intensive process ensures that every bronze sculpture we produce is not just a work of art, but a lasting legacy that can endure for generations.
The Meaning and History of La Pietà
The La Pietà, meaning “The Pity” or “The Compassion” in Italian, is one of the most iconic representations of Christian art. The sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary tenderly cradling the lifeless body of her son, Jesus Christ, following the Crucifixion — a powerful moment of sorrow, love, and divine sacrifice.
The most renowned interpretation of this subject was created by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1499, carved from a single block of Carrara marble. Housed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Michelangelo’s La Pietà remains an enduring symbol of both maternal grief and transcendent beauty, celebrated for its emotional realism and graceful composition.
Our bronze La Pietà pays homage to that same spirit — capturing the serenity of Mary’s face, the gentle folds of her robe, and the lifelike anatomy of Christ with reverence and care.
Custom Bronze Design and Development by Metropolitan Galleries
At Metropolitan Galleries, we specialize in the custom design and development of bronze sculptures and fountains, transforming artistic concepts into enduring works of fine art. Whether religious, classical, or contemporary in nature, each project begins with detailed sketches and clay modeling, followed by our team’s mastery of bronze casting and patina application.
Our artisans combine traditional sculpting techniques with modern engineering precision, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic excellence. From monumental installations and fountain features to intimate figurative works, Metropolitan Galleries has produced custom bronze sculptures for public spaces, universities, places of worship, and private collections across the globe.
A Legacy Cast in Bronze
The life-size Bronze La Pietà created for the Maria Stein Shrine stands as a testament to faith, craftsmanship, and artistic dedication. Through the enduring medium of bronze and the passion of our artisans, Metropolitan Galleries continues to uphold the timeless tradition of sculptural excellence — creating works that inspire reflection, reverence, and awe.
For more information or to inquire about making a custom bronze sculpture or custom bronze fountain, please reach out to our office at 1.800.929.1681 or e-mail us at info@metrogal.com























Dianne Ellis, known for her ability to capture the nuances of individual expression, embarked on an artistic journey. With meticulous attention to detail, she sketched three unique children of varying ages and diverse ethnicities, each reveling in the pure delight of kite flying. The sketches not only celebrated the diverse tapestry of the community but also represented the universal joy that transcends boundaries. These initial drawings became the foundation for our clay models, where the essence of each child’s spirit was infused with life.




