Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Parmigianino died in 1540; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1610.
In context
Greyhound — Parmigianino
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 37 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Parmigianino (1503–1540) ▲ this work, 1500 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1524 Main working years: 1524–1534 Late works: from 1534
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/parmigianino-greyhound-D7B2CT-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Rosy Brown #9d9285
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 84.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 68 works by this artist, of which 32 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 16 of them, with 2.7% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Parma, Italy
Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, known to history as Parmigianino – “the little one from Parma” – emerged during the High Renaissance, yet swiftly became a defining figure of the burgeoning Mannerist style. Born in Parma on January 11, 1503, his early life was marked by familial loss; his father, Filippo Mazzola, died when Girolamo was just two years old. Raised by his uncles, Michele and Pier Ilario, both modestly skilled artists themselves, the young Parmigianino received his initial artistic training within this familial circle. This foundation, however, proved merely a springboard for an exceptional talent that would soon eclipse even his mentors. By the astonishing age of eighteen, he had already completed the Bardi Altarpiece, a work demonstrating a maturity and sophistication far beyond his years, signaling the arrival of a truly remarkable artist.
Parmigianino’s artistic journey led him to Florence around 1524, where he absorbed the influence of masters like Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, though he quickly began to forge his own distinct path. He presented Pope Clement VII with three paintings, including a striking self-portrait in a convex mirror – a testament to his technical skill and burgeoning self-awareness. This act secured commissions in Rome, but the city’s artistic landscape was soon disrupted by the tumultuous Sack of 1527. Forced to flee, Parmigianino sought refuge in Bologna, where he painted one of his most celebrated works, the Holy Family. It was during this period that his signature style truly crystallized: elongated forms, graceful poses, and a refined sensuality became hallmarks of his art. He wasn’t merely depicting reality; he was reimagining it through a lens of elegance and idealized beauty. This departure from the High Renaissance's emphasis on naturalism marked him as a key innovator of Mannerism, an artistic movement characterized by its artificiality, sophistication, and deliberate distortion of classical forms.
Parmigianino’s legacy rests upon a relatively small but profoundly influential body of work. The Madonna with the Long Neck (1534) remains perhaps his most iconic creation. Its unsettling yet captivating composition, featuring figures with elongated necks and limbs, challenges conventional notions of beauty and proportion. This deliberate distortion isn't simply stylistic; it conveys a sense of spiritual yearning and otherworldly grace. Similarly, Vision of Saint Jerome (1527), completed during his time in Rome, showcases his mastery of anatomy and perspective, while simultaneously embracing the Mannerist penchant for dramatic compositions and emotional intensity. Beyond these celebrated paintings, Parmigianino’s drawings reveal an extraordinary level of skill and sensitivity. His studies of figures, drapery, and architectural elements demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of form. Even his lesser-known works, such as Bow-Carving Amor, display the same refined sensibility and technical virtuosity that define his oeuvre.
Tragically, Parmigianino's promising career was cut short by his untimely death in Casalmaggiore in 1540 at the age of thirty-seven. The circumstances surrounding his demise remain somewhat mysterious; some accounts suggest he succumbed to a fever, while others hint at complications from a fall. Despite his brief life, Parmigianino left an indelible mark on Italian Renaissance art. He stands as one of the most important representatives of Mannerism, influencing generations of artists with his elegant style and innovative approach to form and composition. His work continues to captivate viewers today, offering a glimpse into a world where beauty is not merely observed but actively created – a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision. The frescoes he left unfinished in Parma and Fontanellato serve as poignant reminders of what might have been, yet even in their incomplete state, they reveal the brilliance of a master whose legacy continues to resonate through the centuries.
On show in Parma, Italy
Nestled within the ancient walls of the Benedictine monastery of San Paolo in Parma, Italy, lies a treasure trove for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike – the Pinacoteca Stuard. Established in 2002, this intimate museum offers a remarkably personal journey through centuries of artistic expression, from the delicate brushstrokes of the Tuscan masters to the vibrant portraits of the 19th century. More than just a collection of artworks, the Pinacoteca Stuard is an experience; it’s a tangible connection to Parma's rich past and the legacy of its most influential figures.
The museum’s origins are deeply intertwined with Giuseppe Stuard, a 19th-century philanthropist whose passion for art shaped the very foundation of this remarkable institution. His generous donation formed the core of the Pinacoteca’s holdings – a diverse and captivating assemblage encompassing paintings, sketches, and artifacts that provide an invaluable window into Parma's artistic heritage. The building itself, dating back to the 10th century and rooted in the remains of an ancient Roman villa, adds layers of historical significance, creating a truly unique setting for the displayed art. Visitors can almost feel the echoes of centuries past as they wander through the monastery’s serene halls.
The Pinacoteca Stuard's collection is carefully curated to showcase both established masters and lesser-known artists, offering a surprisingly comprehensive overview of Italian art from the 14th to the 20th centuries. Several pieces immediately capture the visitor’s attention. Perhaps most iconic is Parmigianino’s Greyhound Drawing – an exquisite preparatory sketch that serves as a poignant symbol of the museum itself. This delicate rendering exemplifies the artist's mastery and offers a fascinating glimpse into his creative process. Beyond this singular treasure, the museum boasts a significant collection of Tuscan religious works from the 14th and 15th centuries, transporting viewers back to the dawn of the Renaissance and revealing the profound influence of artists like Giotto and Masaccio. The Giuseppe Stuard Collection itself is a testament to his discerning eye, featuring a remarkable range of styles and periods.
The museum’s layout is thoughtfully designed to guide visitors on an engaging chronological journey. Organized around the small central twin cloister of the monastery complex, the collection unfolds across two floors and twenty-two rooms. The itinerary skillfully weaves together paintings, portraits, period furniture, tapestries, and documentary evidence – offering a holistic understanding of Parma’s artistic history and the Stuard family's role in its preservation. It is a space that rewards careful observation and invites contemplation on the evolution of art and culture over time.
The Pinacoteca Stuard isn’t simply an art museum; it’s a cultural landmark housed within a historically significant building. The monastery of San Paolo, with its Roman foundations and centuries-long history, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the displayed artworks. Free guided tours, offered regularly on Saturdays and Sundays, offer invaluable insights into both the art and the architectural context. Furthermore, the museum’s collection extends beyond paintings to include artifacts that illuminate the broader history of Parma and its surrounding regions – offering a richer, more complete picture of the city's past.
Located in Borgo del Parmigianino, 2, Parma, the Pinacoteca Stuard is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 to 17:30; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10:30 to 14:00 (last entry at 13:30). Admission is free. It’s a truly accessible cultural destination, making it an ideal stop for art lovers of all levels. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this hidden gem in the heart of Parma – a place where art, history, and architectural beauty converge to create a memorable experience.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/parmigianino-greyhound-D7B2CT-en/
Look closely
Greyhound — Parmigianino
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The palette of "Greyhound" is muted in saturation.
rosy brown (#9d9285) is the leading color of "Greyhound" by Parmigianino.
To preview a reproduction of "Greyhound" by Parmigianino, open the artwork's Preview page.