Flattened planes

Definition

Flattened planes refer to a compositional technique in art where figures and forms are depicted in a two-dimensional manner, emphasizing surface and abstraction rather than depth and volume. This approach contrasts with the High Renaissance focus on realism and three-dimensionality, instead favoring a more stylized and decorative aesthetic that can create a sense of emotional tension and spiritual depth in the artwork.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the works of artists like Pontormo, flattened planes create a sense of intimacy and emotional engagement with the viewer, moving away from the grand narratives of the High Renaissance.
2. This technique can be seen in Pontormo's use of elongated figures and shallow spaces, which prioritize color and composition over realistic proportions.
3. Flattened planes contribute to the overall aesthetic of Mannerism, where artists sought to express individual emotions rather than adherence to classical ideals.
4. The use of flattened planes often leads to ambiguous spatial relationships in the artwork, allowing for multiple interpretations and emotional responses.
5. Flattened planes play a crucial role in the development of later artistic movements, influencing modern art's exploration of abstraction and non-representational forms.

Review Questions

• How does the technique of flattened planes reflect the shift in artistic expression from High Renaissance ideals?
  • Flattened planes signify a departure from the High Renaissance focus on realism and three-dimensionality. Instead, this technique emphasizes surface quality and emotional expression, allowing artists like Pontormo to create a more stylized aesthetic. The result is an artwork that prioritizes emotional resonance over realistic representation, showcasing a new direction in artistic expression during this transformative period.
• What role does flattened planes play in Mannerism's overall aesthetic compared to the High Renaissance?
  • In Mannerism, flattened planes are integral to its distinct aesthetic that values complexity and emotional depth over realistic representation. This contrasts with High Renaissance art, which aimed for naturalism through perspective and anatomical accuracy. Mannerist artists utilized flattened planes to create dynamic compositions filled with elongated figures and intricate poses, resulting in a unique visual language that emphasizes artistic expression.
• Evaluate how flattened planes influenced the development of modern art movements beyond Mannerism.
  • Flattened planes laid the groundwork for various modern art movements by challenging traditional notions of representation and depth. Artists began to explore abstraction and non-representational forms, inspired by the emotional intensity achieved through flattening spatial relationships. This shift encouraged movements like Cubism and Abstract Expressionism to prioritize color, line, and form over realistic depictions, illustrating how flattened planes contributed to broader transformations in the art world.

Related terms

Mannerism: An artistic style that emerged after the High Renaissance, characterized by exaggerated proportions, complex poses, and a focus on artificiality over realism.

Chiaroscuro: A technique used in painting to create a strong contrast between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality of figures but often less emphasized in works with flattened planes.

Iconography: The visual images and symbols used in art, particularly in relation to their meanings and interpretations within specific cultural or historical contexts.