The artwork, titled “Portrait of a Man with a Book,” was created by the artist Parmigianino in the year 1524. Rendered in oil on canvas, this painting exemplifies the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 52 by 70 centimeters, and it belongs to the genre of portraiture. Currently, it is housed in the York Art Gallery located in York, United Kingdom.
This painting features a man with a contemplative expression, suggestive of introspection or deep thought. The subject is dressed in period attire, characterized by dark, voluminous robes, accentuated with white cuffs. He holds an open book in his hands, which dominates the foreground and draws attention to his slightly bent posture and the intensity with which he gazes at the book. The artist employed a rich palette, emphasizing shadows and light to enhance the three-dimensionality and the brooding atmosphere of the scene. An ornate, golden vertical strip on the right side of the composition provides an elegant contrast to the otherwise somber tones of the background. The meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the textures of the fabric and the subject’s hair, further exemplifies Parmigianino’s skillful technique and contributes to the overall impression of solemnity and dignity.
