You can see Michelangelo's perspective technique also in his statue of David, which like the Pietà is mounted on a high pedestal; but when viewed directly on, the head appears larger than natural:
I found this on an internet search. It’s copies of an article printed at the time.
It’s hard to read, but it seems like the presentation of the statue was what was criticized.
It also shows a picture of the statue apparently at the Vatican up on a pedestal and the perspective does change the appearance. Mary does not look so imposing from below as the full frontal pictures.
What a genius Michelangelo was for even considering perspective and creating something that would take it into account so beautifully.
Happy Easter, metmom!
You can see Michelangelo's perspective technique also in his statue of David, which like the Pietà is mounted on a high pedestal; but when viewed directly on, the head appears larger than natural: