Follower of PARMIGIANINO

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Italian School, circa 1740

Oil on canvas,  29" x 27" framed 

This highly intimate portrait of the Holy Family indicates the style and manner of the famous Mannerist painter Parmigianino. Born Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola in Parma, Italy, Parmigianino became Italy’s most influential Mannerist painter in his brief twenty-year career. His father and uncles taught him painting techniques, and by age sixteen he had already completed an altarpiece for a local church. Beginning in 1520, the celebrated Renaissance artist Correggio became his primary inspiration. Scholars believe that the younger artist may have assisted Correggio with his frescoes at a church in Parma, where Parmigianino may have completed his frescoes. In 1524 Parmigianino visited Rome to present a self-portrait to Pope Clement VII. The young artist experienced Raphael and Michelangelo’s art firsthand, and his style became more grand, elegant, and noble. Scholars believe that Parmigianino was the first Italian artist to make etchings, and his work significantly influenced the art of printmaking.       

In 1524 Parmigianino visited Rome to present a self-portrait to Pope Clement VII. The young artist experienced Raphael and Michelangelo’s art firsthand, and his style became more grand, elegant, and noble. Scholars believe that Parmigianino was the first Italian artist to make etchings, and his work significantly influenced the art of printmaking. 

Although painted later than Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, this highly stylized portrait of Mary, her cousin Elizabeth, and Joseph as Jesus and John the Baptist embrace, bears a remarkable resemblance to the works of Parmigianino, particularly, the elongated fingers of Mary, of which the artist was known for. 

Works by Parmigianino are held in museums throughout the world.