Artwork
Head of an Old Woman Looking to Lower Right (Saint Elizabeth)
Head of an Old Woman Looking to Lower Right (Saint Elizabeth) is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Federico Barocci. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Barocci’s composition reflects his mature Mannerist phase, bridging the late Renaissance and the emerging Baroque sensibility.
Federico Barocci executed the portrait titled *Head of an Old Woman Looking to Lower Right (Saint Elizabeth)* in 1592. The work, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, presents a tightly cropped view of an elderly female figure, identified with the biblical Saint Elizabeth. Barocci’s composition reflects his mature Mannerist phase, bridging the late Renaissance and the emerging Baroque sensibility.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is an aged woman whose downcast gaze and closed eyes convey a quiet introspection, qualities traditionally associated with Saint Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. The modest head covering, edged with a thin red line, signals modesty and piety, while the serene expression suggests a moment of prayerful contemplation.
Technique & Style
Barocci employs a soft modeling of flesh, allowing light to glide across the cheekbones and veil, creating a subtle chiaroscuro that isolates the figure from a dark, undefined background. The brushwork is delicate, with blended transitions that give the skin a luminous quality, characteristic of Barocci’s refined Mannerist approach.
History & Provenance
Created toward the end of Barocci’s career, the painting entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings in the early twentieth century, though its earlier ownership remains sparsely documented. Its presence in the museum’s collection underscores the institution’s commitment to representing the transitional period between Renaissance and Baroque art in Italy.
Context
Barocci, often called Il Baroccio, was a leading figure in central Italian art during the late sixteenth century. His work anticipated the dramatic lighting and emotional immediacy that would define Baroque painting, influencing artists such as Caravaggio and the Carracci. This portrait exemplifies his role in shaping the visual language of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Federico Barocci (also written Barozzi) (c. 1535 – 30 September 1612) was an Italian Renaissance painter and printmaker. His original name was Federico Fiori, and he was nicknamed Il Baroccio. His work was highly…
