What material is primarily used in the Röttgen Pietà?

The Röttgen Pietà is primarily made of painted wood, a medium that was frequently used in medieval sculpture, particularly in northern Europe. This choice is significant because wooden sculptures allowed for greater detail in expressions and features, which is crucial for conveying the emotional intensity found in the Röttgen Pietà. The artist’s skill in painting the wood not only enhances the lifelike quality of the figures but also emphasizes the emotional narrative depicted in the scene of Mary holding the dead body of Christ. Using a painted wood medium was also practical during the medieval period, as it was more accessible and could be carved with relative ease compared to harder materials like stone or marble. As a result, the use of painted wood in this sculpture helps to capture both the physical appearance and the emotional weight of the moment, making it a poignant piece of art in its historical context.