Man with a Book (1525 – 1526) by Parmigianino

The artwork titled “Man with a Book” was created by the artist Parmigianino between the years 1525 and 1526. Painted with oil on panel, this portrait belongs to the Mannerism movement, which emerged during the Late Renaissance period. The dimensions of this work are 67.5 by 53 centimeters.

The artwork depicts a contemplative man, comfortably reclining with his elbow on a surface and his head resting on his hand, suggestive of deep thought or introspection. The man is dressed in dark, formal attire, which includes a hat that casts a subtle shadow on his face, adding to the thoughtful mood. The open book resting on the table before him implies engagement with scholarly activity or literature. The composition and detailed rendering of the subject’s expression and attire reflect the sophisticated stylistic characteristics of Mannerism, highlighting Parmigianino’s skill in capturing both physical likeness and intellectual depth.

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