Lucretia

[NNadir]

Parmigianino, early 15th century, oil on wood.

Museo e Gallerie Nazionali di Capodimonte, Naples.

Self Portrait In A Convex Mirror

As Parmigianino did it, the right hand
Bigger than the head, thrust at the viewer
And swerving easily away, as though to protect
What it advertises. A few leaded panes, old beams,
Fur, pleated muslin, a coral ring run together
In a movement supporting the face...

...The soul establishes itself.
But how far can it swim out through the eyes
And still return safely to its nest?...

-John Ashbery