Old Shepherd Leaning on a Staff 1524 - 1531

"Old Shepherd Leaning on a Staff" is a drawing created by Italian artist Parmigianino between 1524 and 1531, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. The drawing depicts an aged shepherd, likely representing a biblical figure like Jacob, standing with a staff and surrounded by sheep. Parmigianino, known for his refined drawings and elongated figures, captured the shepherd's weary posture and the pastoral scene with meticulous detail. The use of brown ink creates a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the shepherd's weathered features and the sheep's woolly forms. This small but detailed study demonstrates Parmigianino's mastery of drawing and his ability to imbue everyday subjects with profound emotion.