Mannerism

  • Movement

Key features and aspects of Mannerism:

Elongated forms: Mannerist art is known for its elongated figures, often with exaggerated proportions and poses that appear unnatural or contorted.

Complex compositions: The compositions in Mannerist works can be intricate and crowded, with figures often intertwined in complex ways.

Emotional intensity: Unlike the balanced and harmonious compositions of the High Renaissance, Mannerist art often conveys a sense of tension and emotional unrest.

Vivid colors: Mannerist artists frequently used bold, sometimes even garish, color palettes that deviated from the naturalistic colors of earlier Renaissance art.

Ambiguous space: The spatial relationships in Mannerist paintings can be ambiguous, with unclear sources of light and often a lack of a clear focal point.

Intellectual and refined: Mannerism has been described as an art for the elite, as it often contains esoteric or intellectual references that might be lost on a general audience.


Name

Mannerism

Description

Mannerism is an art style that emerged in the late Renaissance, primarily during the period from the end of the 1520s to the beginning of the Baroque era in the late 16th century. Prominent Mannerist artists include Parmigianino, Rosso Fiorentino, Pontormo, and later, El Greco. The style originated in Florence and Rome and then spread to other parts of Europe, including the Northern regions. While Mannerism was eventually supplanted by the Baroque style, it represents an important bridge between the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

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