Two Figures c. 16th century

Curator: This small drawing, now in the Harvard Art Museums, is attributed to Parmigianino, dating from around the 1530s. It's titled "Two Figures." Editor: The hatching creates such a dense fabric; it feels almost sculptural despite being a mere drawing. Curator: Parmigianino was a master of line. His works influenced the development of engraving and printmaking, making art accessible to a wider audience. Editor: Yes, the layering of lines really conveys the weight of the drapery, the very material of their garments becomes almost tangible. But who are these figures? Curator: It's uncertain, but the drawing style aligns with his other studies for larger compositions. Drawings like this one were not ends in themselves, but served as crucial steps in the production of paintings or prints. Editor: That’s fascinating. Seeing the labor in the marks transforms my perception of the final art object. Curator: Indeed, Parmigianino's influence resonates far beyond the elite circles for which he may have initially created. Editor: This reminds me that the materiality and production processes are really integral to its cultural role.