Head of a Man in Profile to Right 1503 - 1540

Parmigianino created "Head of a Man in Profile to Right" using pen and brown ink. This small drawing gives us a glimpse into the cultural milieu of Renaissance Italy, where there was a renewed interest in classical forms and the human figure. We can see the artist's attention to the man's distinct features: his strong nose, the set of his brow, the receding hairline. It feels like Parmigianino was interested in capturing the essence of this individual, maybe even hinting at his social standing or intellect through his physiognomy. Portraits during this era weren't just about capturing a likeness; they were about conveying status, power, and identity. Consider how men, particularly those of means, were often portrayed in profile to highlight their noble features. The image invites us to reflect on the relationship between representation, identity, and social expectation during the Renaissance. The artist captures not just a face, but also perhaps a story, and a place in history.