Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene

This Virgin and Child with saints was painted by Parmigianino around 1535, during his years in Parma following his departure from Rome after the Sack of 1527. By this period, Parmigianino had fully developed his signature Mannerist style of elongated, impossibly elegant figures. The inclusion of the Magdalene and Baptist reflects standard sacra conversazione iconography filtered through Parmigianino's refined sensibility. Mannerism (c.1520-1600) emerged as artists responded to—and deliberately subverted—High Renaissance ideals.

Parmigianino's characteristic attenuated proportions and porcelain-smooth flesh tones are evident throughout. The figures are arranged with the serpentine grace that made him the supreme exponent of Mannerist elegance, with luminous sfumato modeling.