Sitzender Lautenspieler 1536

This drawing of a seated lute player was made by Parmigianino, most likely in the 1530s, with pen, ink, and wash on paper. Note the artist's use of line and tone to create a sense of volume and depth. He used hatching and cross-hatching to model the figure, and washes of ink to create shadows and highlights. The overall effect is one of great fluidity, as if the figure is caught in a fleeting moment. Parmigianino was a master of disegno, the Italian word for drawing or design, and was one of the most important aspects of artistic training in the Renaissance. Through his drawing, we see not just the design, but the cultural significance of his virtuosity. Such works represent a highly refined set of skills, acquired over years of training. But ultimately the artist's labor is meant to seem effortless, even inspired. These dynamics continue to shape our expectations for art today.