The concept of combining classical techniques with Christian themes during the renaissance was unique. The Catholic Church was not as powerful in Italy during the Renaissance because of the uprising of humanist beliefs. Art was still religious because most of the Italian population remained very religious through out the Renaissance period, however images in the Renaissance art "were meant to enhance the experience of the faithful"(Heilbrunn). Even though Italians remained religious, the church was in a weak position because of the spread of humanism. Because of this weak position, the church decided to spend a lot of money on architecture, sculptures and paintings in Italy in order to recapture their lost influence. Michelangelo, who was influenced by Greek style of balance, proportion and classical nudity, was commissioned to create "Pieta", "David" and frescos on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel creating a perfect balance of Christian themes and classical techniques.

The "Pieta" (1497-1500), commissioned by a cardinal for Saint Peter's Basilica, in Rome, Italy. The statue is a biblical reference of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus after his body was removed from the cross. The statue overstates Mary. Michelangelo concentrated on Mary's emotions of love and grief, yet portrayed her classically beautiful. "The scene is idealized, the emotions it evokes in the viewer are very real indeed" ( Sayre, 498). Harmony, ideal beauty and christian emotion depicted in a biblical sculpture combines classical technique with A christian theme effortlessly.

The sculpture "David" (1501-04), originally to be placed along the roofline of the Florence Cathedral. The statue, a biblical hero, sculpted before Davids fight with Goliath, shows raw emotion of eagerness, concentration, hope and fear. Classic beauty, greek inspired, anatomically correct nude depicted in this