Minerva by Parmigianino

This depiction of Minerva dates to around 1530 and now hangs at Hampton Court Palace as part of the Royal Collection. The subject of the Roman goddess of wisdom was popular in humanist circles, where she represented the ideal of learned virtue. Parmigianino's treatment transforms the martial goddess into an image of refined, courtly elegance characteristic of Mannerist aesthetics. Characteristic of Parmigianino's approach, the work displays extreme elegance, elongated forms, serpentine grace, refined palette.

Minerva is rendered with Parmigianino's distinctive elongated proportions and cool, silvery palette. The smooth, almost porcelain-like surface treatment of the flesh contrasts with the more varied textures of armor and drapery.