Schets van een been 1513 - 1540

Parmigianino created this sketch of a leg using pen and red chalk. Parmigianino was working in Italy in the 1520s, a time when artists were increasingly interested in the human form. The rediscovery of classical sculpture during the Renaissance had a profound impact on the way artists understood anatomy. Academies of art began to form in Italy. Parmigianino's sketch of a leg reflects this interest in classical ideals of beauty, but it also shows the influence of the artist’s unique style. The elongated proportions and graceful lines are hallmarks of Parmigianino’s work. It is typical of academic studies made by artists in preparation for larger paintings or sculptures. The drawing may reflect a study of a live model in the studio, a practice which began to become normalized during this time. The social and institutional context in which art is made and consumed plays a critical role in how we interpret it. By considering the historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and significance of Parmigianino’s sketch.