Where to See Mystic Marriage of St Catherine: Louvre, Paris

Parmigianino executed this graceful composition around 1529, creating one of the finest examples of Mannerism. The elongated figures and serpentine poses that define his style are fully evident here. Saint Catherine receives the ring from Christ while the Virgin Mary looks on, the figures arranged in an elegant, swirling composition.

Giorgio Vasari mentioned this painting, noting it was made for a saddler friend during Parmigianino's time in Bologna. The artist had fled there after the Sack of Rome in 1527 devastated that city. His confident brushwork, broader and quicker than High Renaissance tastes would allow, demonstrates his mature style at its most harmonious.

The painting exemplifies Parmigianino's "artistic daring," as he confronted the naturalistic orthodoxies established by Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael. The rhythmic sensuality of his figures expressed the spiritual uncertainty of this turbulent period. The work hangs at the Louvre in Paris.

This painting hangs at the Louvre in Paris, France. Another significant version of the subject by Parmigianino is at the National Gallery in London.

Mannerism emerged after the High Renaissance, featuring elongated figures, complex poses, and emotional expressiveness. Parmigianino was one of its leading practitioners.

The painting dates to around 1529, during Parmigianino's time in Bologna. He had fled there after the Sack of Rome in 1527 disrupted his work in that city.

This painting hangs at the Louvre in Paris, France. Another significant version of the subject by Parmigianino is at the National Gallery in London.

Mannerism emerged after the High Renaissance, featuring elongated figures, complex poses, and emotional expressiveness. Parmigianino was one of its leading practitioners.

The painting dates to around 1529, during Parmigianino's time in Bologna. He had fled there after the Sack of Rome in 1527 disrupted his work in that city.

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More by Parmigianino

Self-portrait in a Convex Mirror

Holy Family with Shepherds and Angels

Virgin and Child with an Angel

Circe and the Companions of Ulysses

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