Original etching; Bartsch XVI, 13.12;
Magnificent proof impressed with an ash colour that gives an unusual and distinctive effect. Complete with the copper imprint and with a margin thread all around of about 1-3 mm. In very good condition, although along the edges of the verso there are traces of an old reinforcement removed.
Rare, as are all Parmigianino's proofs.
Parmigianino's overwhelming curiosity is well known and reported from his time, starting with the biography traced by Vasari. His chemical-physical knowledge and practical skills enabled him to pioneer, and fine-tune, the techniques of etching and chiaroscuro, solving both the criticalities̀ encountered by his predecessors. A passionate experimenter, he often combined different methods, producing works with mixed techniques and different inks, obtaining unique results each time.