Helmet with long plume and chin strap 

This is Parmigianino's etching of a helmeted figure, a study in line and form. Notice how the dense cross-hatching shapes the helmet and armor, creating a powerful sense of volume and texture. The plume atop the helmet adds a flourish, softening the rigid structure with its fluid lines. Parmigianino uses line to explore the relationship between surface and depth, light and shadow. The figure’s face, rendered in profile, is stoic, almost mask-like. The helmet, a symbol of protection and power, dominates the composition, yet the intricate details soften the war-like image. The etching, a reproduction from 1648 by W. Hollar, captures the essence of Parmigianino’s Mannerist style. The original's complex interplay of light and shadow invite us to consider the nature of representation itself. What is concealed beneath this armor? What does it mean to look back at historical images?