The art world is full of mysteries. This is especially true as the centuries come and go, shrouding a work of art in the murky depths of time long past. Post-Renaissance painter Parmigianino’s 1525 portrait of an unnamed woman presents just this sort of mystery. Erroneously (but commonly) called Antea, this painting is now front and center at the Louvre’s most recent exhibition — so let’s dive into the secrets of this work of art!

*Who is Antea*
"Innamorata Chiamata Antea", which translates to "in love called Antea by Parmigianino". Antea was the name of a famous Roman courtesan from the XVIth century. It wasn’t until more than a century later that the painting was said to refer to the courtesan Antea by Giacomo Barri. But this convinced almost no one, despite so many people now referring to the painting by that name.

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