PARMIGIANINO (PARMA 1503-CASALMAGGIORE 1540)
Pallas Athene
c. 1531-8RCIN 405765
The figure is identified by the cameo on her breastplate as Pallas Athene, the warrior, goddess of wisdom and patron of Athens. Parmigianino has stylised and distorted the figure of the goddess to create a mannerist ideal of beauty.