Mannerism

Definition

Mannerism is an artistic style that emerged in the late Renaissance, characterized by elongated forms, exaggerated poses, and a departure from the balanced harmony of the High Renaissance. It reflects a shift in artistic priorities, focusing more on emotional expression and individual style rather than adherence to classical ideals of proportion and perspective. This style represents a transitional phase, showcasing both the influence of earlier Renaissance art and the beginnings of the Baroque era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mannerism began around the 1520s and continued into the late 16th century as artists sought to challenge the norms established during the High Renaissance.
2. Key Mannerist artists include El Greco, Parmigianino, and Jacopo Pontormo, who are known for their unique approaches to composition and form.
3. The style often features unusual color palettes and complex spatial compositions, emphasizing emotional expressiveness over naturalism.
4. Mannerism can be seen as a response to the perceived perfection of High Renaissance art, reflecting a more subjective view of beauty and aesthetics.
5. The term 'Mannerism' itself is derived from 'maniera,' which means 'style' or 'manner' in Italian, indicating an emphasis on individual artist expression.

Review Questions

• How did Mannerism differ from the ideals of the High Renaissance?
  • Mannerism differed from High Renaissance ideals by moving away from the emphasis on harmony, proportion, and balanced composition. While High Renaissance artists aimed for an idealized representation of beauty grounded in naturalism, Mannerist artists favored exaggerated forms and poses that conveyed emotional intensity. This shift reflects a more personal approach to art, where individual expression took precedence over strict adherence to classical principles.
• What role did key Mannerist artists play in shaping this artistic movement, and how did their works reflect its characteristics?
  • Key Mannerist artists like El Greco and Parmigianino played crucial roles in shaping the movement by introducing distinctive stylistic elements that broke from traditional norms. Their works often featured elongated figures and dramatic colors, creating an emotional atmosphere that contrasted with the more serene compositions of the High Renaissance. These artists embraced complexity in form and space, highlighting the subjective experience of art rather than objective reality.
• Evaluate how Mannerism set the stage for the Baroque period in art history.
  • Mannerism set the stage for the Baroque period by pushing boundaries in emotional expression and stylistic experimentation. While it maintained elements from the High Renaissance, such as sophisticated technique, Mannerism's emphasis on individual artist style opened the door for Baroque artists to explore even more dramatic effects through light, shadow, and movement. The tension and dynamism seen in Mannerist works directly influenced Baroque art's passionate intensity and elaborate compositions, marking a significant evolution in artistic expression.

Related terms

High Renaissance: A period in art history marked by the works of master artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, known for their focus on harmony, proportion, and ideal beauty.

Baroque: An artistic style that followed Mannerism, characterized by dramatic use of light and shadow, emotional intensity, and grandiose compositions.

Contrapposto: An artistic technique used to depict human figures in a way that one part of the body is turned in opposition to another part, creating a sense of dynamic movement.