Mannerism

Definition

Mannerism is an artistic style that emerged in the late Renaissance, characterized by its exaggerated proportions, complex poses, and an overall sense of artificiality. It represents a shift away from the balanced harmony and naturalism of High Renaissance art, instead embracing elongated forms and vivid colors to evoke emotional responses and intellectual engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mannerism originated in Italy around the 1520s and became a dominant style throughout Europe until the end of the 16th century.
2. Artists working in the mannerist style often emphasized emotional expression over realistic representation, leading to unconventional compositions.
3. The term 'mannerism' itself comes from the Italian word 'maniera', meaning 'style' or 'manner', reflecting the unique characteristics of this artistic movement.
4. Mannerist art frequently features unusual spatial arrangements and ambiguous perspectives that challenge traditional notions of balance and proportion.
5. Key figures in mannerism include artists like Michelangelo, Pontormo, and Bronzino, who pushed boundaries and explored new themes in their work.

Review Questions

• How did mannerism differ from the artistic ideals of the High Renaissance?
  • Mannerism diverged from the harmonious and naturalistic ideals of the High Renaissance by emphasizing artificiality and exaggeration. While High Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael focused on balance, proportion, and realistic human forms, mannerist artists sought to create emotional tension through distorted proportions, complex poses, and vibrant colors. This shift allowed mannerists to explore themes of anxiety and ambiguity, reflecting a more unsettled worldview.
• Discuss how specific works by El Greco exemplify the principles of mannerism in art.
  • El Greco's paintings embody mannerism through their dramatic color palettes and elongated figures. In works such as 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', he uses stark contrasts between light and dark to enhance emotional depth. The figures in his compositions often exhibit unnatural proportions and dynamic poses, which deviate from traditional representations. This combination results in an ethereal quality that heightens the viewer's emotional response.
• Evaluate the impact of mannerism on subsequent artistic movements following the Renaissance, particularly Baroque art.
  • Mannerism significantly influenced later artistic movements like Baroque art by laying the groundwork for emotional expression and dynamic compositions. While Baroque artists embraced realism and dramatic narratives, they inherited mannerist techniques such as exaggerated poses and intense color contrasts. The theatricality of mannerism can be seen in Baroque works, where artists aimed to evoke strong emotions in viewers. This transition highlights a continued evolution in artistic expression, moving from the structured harmony of the Renaissance to more dramatic and expressive forms.

Related terms

El Greco: A Spanish painter of Greek origin known for his dramatic use of color and elongated figures, embodying the principles of mannerism.

Parmigianino: An Italian painter whose work exemplifies mannerism, particularly in his famous painting 'Madonna with the Long Neck', which features distorted proportions and intricate compositions.

Contrapposto: A technique in sculpture and painting where a figure stands with weight shifted onto one leg, creating a sense of dynamism and movement; often used in mannerist compositions to enhance complexity.