Engulfed in flames

Skull with Cigarette by Van Gogh has become a classic image - many a college dorm wall has been adorned with posters of this strange figure. It is believed that Vincent painted this while in school in an anatomy class. Measuring 32 x 24.5 cm and oil on canvas, I can think of almost no other image that gives me a better chuckle. You may also recognize it from the cover of David Sedaris' most recent book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames.

Michelangelo's Pietà

La Pietà by Michelangelo is one of history's most famous sculptures. The statue was completed in 1499 and depicts Jesus and the Virgin Mary, the latter represented in a very youthful and peaceful state, as a commission for the French cardinal Jean de Billheres.

The piece was originally placed in the Chapel of Santa Petronilla at Saint Peter's in Rome; however, it was moved several times throughout the years to accomodate renovations, causing substantial damage to Mary's fingers. In a highly infamous move in 1972, a geologist attacked the sculpture with a hammer, after which La Pietà had to undergo major restoration.

The piece now resides inside a bullet-proof box, once again at Saint Peter's.