Three Feminine Heads

c. 1522/1524

Parmigianino

Associated Names
Parmigianino

Artist, Parmese, 1503 - 1540

The image features a sketch of three faces shown in close-up from the neck upwards. The leftmost face is oriented slightly towards the viewer with a direct gaze, the central face looks downward with closed eyes, and the rightmost face is in profile with an upward tilt. All three faces have sculptural, classical features with prominent eyelids, smooth contours, and slightly parted lips. The hair is styled with soft curls. The medium used is red chalk on paper, giving the artwork a warm, monochromatic tone. There are no visible clothing or jewelry. The background of the sketch is simple and unadorned.

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Aldobrandini collection and W. Y Ottley (according to Roupell's inscription on the old mount); R. P. Roupell (Lugt 2234)(sale, Christie's, London, 12-14 July 1887, no. 764); Thomas Drummond, Washington; NGA purchase in 1989.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1984

  • Correggio and His Legacy, Sixteenth-Century Emilian Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1984, no. 41 (Diane De Grazia).

Bibliography

1991

  • Gingold, Diane J., and Elizabeth A.C. Weil. The Corporate Patron. New York, 1991: 42-43, color repro.

Inscriptions

in R.P. Roupell's handwriting, upper left verso in ink: RPR (Lugt 2234); on mount in Roupell's handwriting, center in ink: R P R / Correggio / From the Aldobrandini and W.Y. Ottley Collections

Wikidata ID

Q64618808

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