Standing Female Figure in Armor Drawing Her Sword (Minerva or Bellona) 1530 - 1540

This drawing by Italian Renaissance artist Parmigianino, created between 1530 and 1540, depicts a standing female figure in armor, likely Minerva or Bellona, drawing her sword. The artist, known for his elongated figures and graceful lines, captures the dramatic moment with meticulous detail, highlighting the flowing drapery of the figure’s armor and the powerful pose. The drawing showcases Parmigianino’s mastery of the human form and his ability to imbue his figures with a sense of both strength and grace. This pen and ink study, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the artist’s talent and the enduring power of classical imagery in art.