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Michelangelo Legacy Timeline
The Michelangelo Legacy Project reflects Richard’s commitment to faith, beauty, and cultural stewardship. What began as a private collection has become a global mission: to share Michelangelo’s sacred masterpiece, especially the Pietà, with communities worldwide.
This timeline traces the journey from the first licensed reproductions to Richard’s stewardship through Stewart Family Partners, culminating in a bold initiative to place 100 Pietàs in churches, schools, and institutions across the globe.
2001
Vatican Licensed Full-Sized Reproduction
The story began when the owner of New Renaissance Art created a limited-edition bust of Michelangelo’s Madonna from the Pietà, under Vatican license. This marked the modern revival of Renaissance sacred art.
Official Museum Approval
2005
The Director of Museo Casa Buonarroti in Florence authorized limited edition castings of the Pietà, strengthening the legitimacy of these sacred reproductions.
Exhibitions in Florence
2007 - 2010
Bronze castings of Michelangelo’s Pietà and other works were displayed at Casa Buonarroti, connecting modern audiences to the timeless legacy of the Renaissance master.
Expanded Authorization
2011
Casa Buonarroti extended its authorization to multiple Michelangelo editions and issued letters of support, including one to philanthropist Carlos Slim.
Arte Divine Vatican License
2012
Arte Divine secured rights to reproduce Michelangelo’s entire sculpture collection. Around this time, Richard and Esther visit Italy and learn about the Michelangelo molds and that someone held the rights to reproduce them with the Vatican's blessing.
Spiritual Awakening & First Donations
2013 - 2014
Richard met the license holder and acquired some of the sculptures for his private collection and a year later his family started donating them, starting with a Catholic High School and then to two family-related churches. The over-whelming response from students and parishioners matched his own inspirational experience with the artwork and sparked an idea in him.
The Michelangelo Legacy Project is born
2015 - 2018
Richard and his family gathered more of the provenance documentation and crystalized the vision of placing 100 Pietàs worldwide as a tribute to Michelangelo's legacy.
2017 - 2018
Publishing Rights & Acquisition
Through Stewart Family Partners, Richard acquired full publishing rights and Michelangelo Identification Numbers (MINs), securing authenticity and stewardship of the works.
Expanding the Legacy
2018 - 2025
The family launched The Michelangelo Legacy to continue placements worldwide. To date, more than 40 have been installed in churches and institutions, blessing communities globally.
Lakewood Church
2018
Lakewood Church in Houston,Texasis now home to a rare reproduction of one of Michelangelo's masterpieces. The sculpture depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother, Mary, after the crucifixion. It is widely regarded as one of the world's great masterpieces of inspired art and perhaps the most beautiful sculpture ever created.
Museum of the Bible
2020
Following significant due diligence, the Museum of the Bible accepted a Pietà for long-term display in their Grand Hall in Washington, D.C.
A Masterpiece of All Masterpieces
Future
Discussions are underway to create the world’s only Golden Pietà, produced directly from the original molds. This singular work would stand as both a spiritual and artistic crown jewel of the collection—a timeless symbol of beauty, sacrifice, and divine inspiration.
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