8.1 Characteristics and origins of Mannerism
2 min read•august 5, 2024
shook up Renaissance art with its wild proportions and unnatural colors. Artists like and ditched classical ideals, opting for elongated figures and that screamed artistic skill.
This style emerged in 1520s Italy, rejecting harmony for intellectual sophistication. Mannerists celebrated artifice and virtuosity, paving the way for the dramatic Baroque era that followed.
Stylistic Features
Distorted Proportions and Unnatural Colors
Top images from around the web for Distorted Proportions and Unnatural Colors
File:Bronzino - Eleonora di Toledo col figlio Giovanni - Google Art Project.jpg - Wikipedia, the ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Fichier:Angelo Bronzino - Portrait of a Man Holding a Statuette - WGA03263.jpg — Wikipédia View original
Is this image relevant?
Bronzino - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Bronzino - Eleonora di Toledo col figlio Giovanni - Google Art Project.jpg - Wikipedia, the ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Fichier:Angelo Bronzino - Portrait of a Man Holding a Statuette - WGA03263.jpg — Wikipédia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Distorted Proportions and Unnatural Colors
File:Bronzino - Eleonora di Toledo col figlio Giovanni - Google Art Project.jpg - Wikipedia, the ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Fichier:Angelo Bronzino - Portrait of a Man Holding a Statuette - WGA03263.jpg — Wikipédia View original
Is this image relevant?
Bronzino - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Bronzino - Eleonora di Toledo col figlio Giovanni - Google Art Project.jpg - Wikipedia, the ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Fichier:Angelo Bronzino - Portrait of a Man Holding a Statuette - WGA03263.jpg — Wikipédia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Elongated figures with exaggerated, sinuous forms that depart from classical proportions (Parmigianino's Madonna with the Long Neck)
- Artificial, unnaturalistic colors that create a sense of heightened elegance and refinement (Bronzino's portraits)
- Figures often appear graceful and elegant, but also distorted and stylized
- Mannerist artists prioritized artistic expression and sophistication over naturalism
Ambiguous Spaces and Stylized Forms
- Spatial created through flattened or compressed pictorial space and complex, layered compositions ('s Deposition from the Cross)
- Stylization of forms, such as elongated limbs, small heads, and exaggerated poses, that emphasize artistic skill and invention over realistic representation
- Figures often arranged in complex, twisting poses that create a sense of movement and dynamism
- Artifice and artistic virtuosity are celebrated, with an emphasis on showcasing the artist's technical abilities and creative imagination (Bronzino's Allegory of Venus and Cupid)
Intellectual and Cultural Context
Reaction Against Classical Ideals
- Anti-classical approach that rejects the harmonious proportions, balanced compositions, and naturalism of High Renaissance art
- Mannerist artists sought to challenge and subvert classical ideals, exploring new artistic possibilities and expressions
- Emphasis on intellectual sophistication, with complex allegories, mythological references, and esoteric symbolism (Bronzino's portraits of the Medici family)
- Rejection of the clarity and accessibility of High Renaissance art in favor of a more elite, intellectually demanding style
Bella Maniera and Artistic Virtuosity
- Bella maniera, or the "beautiful style," emphasized grace, elegance, and refinement over naturalism
- Mannerist artists sought to display their artistic virtuosity and ingenuity through complex compositions, technical skill, and creative invention
- Emphasis on the artist's individual style and unique artistic vision, rather than adherence to established conventions or norms
- Complexity and difficulty became valued artistic qualities, with artists seeking to challenge and engage the intellect of their sophisticated audiences (Parmigianino's Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror)
Historical Period
The Late Renaissance and the Transition to the Baroque
- Mannerism emerged in the late Renaissance, primarily in Italy, during the 1520s and lasted until the end of the 16th century
- Developed in the wake of the High Renaissance, as artists sought to break away from the classical ideals and explore new artistic possibilities
- Mannerism bridged the gap between the Renaissance and the Baroque, paving the way for the dramatic, emotionally charged, and dynamic art of the 17th century
- Key centers of Mannerist art included Florence, Rome, and Parma, with artists such as Parmigianino, Bronzino, and Pontormo leading the movement
Key Terms to Review (21)
Ambiguity: Ambiguity refers to the quality of being open to multiple interpretations or meanings, which can create uncertainty or vagueness. In the context of art, particularly during the Mannerist period, ambiguity plays a crucial role in evoking emotional responses and challenging viewers’ perceptions. It can manifest through complex compositions, unusual proportions, and a sense of unease that invites contemplation and subjective interpretation.
Artificiality: Artificiality refers to the quality of being created or constructed rather than occurring naturally. In art, particularly during the Mannerist period, it reflects an intentional departure from naturalism, embracing stylization, exaggeration, and complex compositions to convey emotional depth and intellectual ideas.
Bronzino: Bronzino was a prominent Italian painter of the Mannerist style during the 16th century, known for his refined portraits and allegorical works. His art reflects the complexity and elegance of Mannerism, emphasizing elongated figures and a sense of sophistication, which sets him apart as a key figure in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period.
Chiaroscuro: Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality in painting. This technique enhances the emotional impact of a work by using light to direct attention, suggest depth, and evoke mood, making it a critical element in the evolution of Renaissance art.
Complex compositions: Complex compositions refer to intricate arrangements of figures, forms, and spaces within a work of art, often characterized by dynamic movement and overlapping elements. This style emerged as artists sought to convey deeper emotional expressions and thematic complexity, moving away from the more balanced and harmonious compositions typical of earlier artistic periods.
Counter-Reformation: The Counter-Reformation was a significant movement initiated by the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to reform the Church from within and reaffirm its authority. This movement not only led to a revival of Catholic doctrine and practices but also greatly influenced the direction of art and architecture during this time, promoting styles that emphasized clarity, emotional engagement, and the divine.
Elongation: Elongation refers to the artistic technique of extending and stretching figures or forms beyond their natural proportions, creating an effect that emphasizes grace and elegance. This approach often serves to convey emotional intensity and otherworldly beauty, becoming a hallmark of a specific style that emerged in the late Renaissance period.
Emotional intensity: Emotional intensity refers to the strong and profound feelings expressed in art, evoking deep emotional responses from viewers. This concept is often tied to the use of dramatic color, composition, and subject matter that resonates with human experience, allowing artists to connect with their audience on a visceral level.
High Renaissance: The High Renaissance refers to a period in the late 15th and early 16th centuries characterized by a peak in artistic achievement, particularly in Italy, marked by harmony, balance, and the celebration of humanism. Artists from this era, such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian, produced works that displayed unparalleled skill in composition, perspective, and the human form, reflecting the ideals of beauty and realism.
Individualism: Individualism is the principle that emphasizes the moral worth and autonomy of the individual, promoting self-reliance and personal freedom. This idea gained momentum during the Renaissance, reflecting a shift from collective societal roles to the recognition of personal achievement, creativity, and expression in various fields such as art, philosophy, and literature.
Mannerism: Mannerism is an artistic style that emerged in the late Renaissance, characterized by exaggerated proportions, unusual spatial relationships, and a focus on artificiality over naturalism. This style reflects the complexities of the human experience, often incorporating themes of tension and instability, distinguishing it from the balanced harmony typical of High Renaissance art.
Palazzo del Te: Palazzo del Te is a Mannerist villa located in Mantua, Italy, designed by the architect Giulio Romano in the 16th century. It is renowned for its playful architecture that breaks classical norms, emphasizing exaggerated proportions and whimsical details. This villa serves as a prime example of Mannerism's departure from the harmony of the High Renaissance, showcasing a more expressive and less structured approach to design.
Parmigianino: Parmigianino, born Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, was an Italian painter and printmaker of the Mannerist style, active during the early 16th century. His work is characterized by elongated forms and a sense of elegance, which reflect the Mannerist break from the balanced proportions and harmony of the High Renaissance. His innovative techniques and distortion of form set a tone for the transition into Early Baroque art.
Pontormo: Pontormo, whose full name is Jacopo Carrucci, was an Italian Mannerist painter active during the 16th century. Known for his vibrant colors, elongated forms, and emotional expressiveness, Pontormo's work embodies the key characteristics of Mannerism, a style that emerged as a reaction against the balance and harmony of High Renaissance art. His unique approach also marks the transition towards Early Baroque art, highlighting a shift in artistic focus from idealized beauty to a more emotional and dynamic expression.
Protestant Reformation: The Protestant Reformation was a major religious movement in the 16th century that aimed to reform the practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. This movement arose in response to perceived corruption within the Church, such as the sale of indulgences, and it emphasized personal faith and the authority of the Scriptures over church traditions. The Reformation significantly altered the landscape of Christianity and had profound impacts on art, politics, and society during and after its time.
Reaction against classicism: The reaction against classicism refers to a movement in art and culture that arose as a response to the rigid rules and ideals of classical art, characterized by a preference for emotional expression, individualism, and complexity over harmony and proportion. This shift often sought to break free from the constraints of classical styles, leading to new forms of creativity and experimentation in artistic expression.
Sfumato: Sfumato is a painting technique characterized by the subtle blending of colors and tones to create soft transitions between light and shadow, enhancing the illusion of depth and form. This technique allows for a hazy or smoky effect, contributing to a more lifelike representation of subjects. Artists use sfumato to eliminate hard outlines, resulting in a sense of atmosphere and mood in their works.
St. Peter's Basilica: St. Peter's Basilica is a Renaissance church located in Vatican City, renowned for its grand architecture and spiritual significance as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. Designed by notable architects, including Michelangelo, it represents the height of Renaissance art and architecture, showcasing innovations that influenced the transition to Baroque styles and served as a centerpiece during the Counter-Reformation.
The Descent from the Cross: The Descent from the Cross is a pivotal scene in Christian art depicting the moment when Christ's body is taken down from the cross after his crucifixion. This powerful subject encapsulates themes of sorrow, loss, and redemption, often portraying Mary, the Virgin, mourning her son. It reflects the emotional intensity and dramatic compositions characteristic of Mannerism, emphasizing elongated figures and complex poses that convey heightened emotion and tension.
The Madonna with the Long Neck: The Madonna with the Long Neck is a painting by Parmigianino created around 1535-1540, exemplifying Mannerism's distinct style with elongated figures and unusual proportions. This work reflects the era's departure from the balanced compositions and realistic representations of the High Renaissance, embracing instead a more stylized and emotional approach to religious imagery.
Transition: Transition refers to the process or period of changing from one state, stage, or condition to another. In the context of art, particularly during the Renaissance, transition highlights the shift from the balanced harmony of High Renaissance art to the more expressive and sometimes chaotic nature of Mannerism, reflecting broader cultural and societal changes.