Portrait of a Young Man

Parmigianino painted the portrait of a young nobleman during the 1530s, though the work appears unfinished. The sitter's face is highly worked, showing the refined finish and subtle flesh modeling characteristic of Parmigianino's style, while other areas remain thinly sketched.

The young man's short hair reflects a fashion that didn't become popular until the 1530s. He wears a traveling cloak over a black silk jerkin, with a white linen shirt visible beneath. The bulk of the heavy cloak contrasts elegantly with the delicate ties of his chemise collar and decorative detailing around the cuffs. This attention to fabric and texture demonstrates why Parmigianino ranked among the leading Italian Mannerist painters.

The painting now belongs to the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. Born Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, the artist took his name from his birthplace of Parma, Italy.