We built a full computer graphics model of Parmigianino's studio, including convex mirror, in order to explore the artist's likely working methods during his execution of Self portrait in a convex mirror (1523-4). Our model supports Vasari's record that the radius of curvature of a convex mirror matched the radius of curvature of the wood panel support. We find that the image in the painting is consistent with a simple horizontal rectilinear room drawn from a slightly re-oriented and re-positioned mirror. Our optical analyses lead us to recommend an alteration to the current display arrangement in the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Date Published: 16 February 2010
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 7531, Computer Vision and Image Analysis of Art, 75310J (16 February 2010); doi: 10.1117/12.840556

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7531:
Computer Vision and Image Analysis of Art
David G. Stork; Jim Coddington; Anna Bentkowska-Kafel, Editor(s)