Mannerism Art Style

Definition

Mannerism is an art style that emerged in the late Renaissance period (around 1520-1600) characterized by elongated forms, unusual spatial relationships, artificial colors, and a focus on complex poses.

Analogy

Think of Mannerism as the rebellious teenager of the Renaissance. While Renaissance art was all about balance and proportion, Mannerism decided to break those rules. It's like when you decide to rearrange your room in a way that doesn't make sense to anyone but you - that's what Mannerist artists did with their paintings.

Related terms

Renaissance Art: This is the period before Mannerism where art focused on balance, harmony, and realistic depictions of people and nature.

El Greco: A famous Greek painter who was a key figure in the Mannerist movement. His works are known for their dramatic intensity and often spiritual themes.

Michelangelo: Although primarily associated with the High Renaissance, some of Michelangelo’s later works show elements of mannerism including exaggerated bodies and contorted poses.