Mannerism Art
Mannerism art (c. 1520 C.E.) reached its climax between the High Renaissance and Baroque periods in Italy. The name Mannerism is derived from the Italian word ‘maniera’ literally meaning “manner”. Mannerism was primarily a reaction to the classical characteristics and idealized naturalism of the High Renaissance. During the Renaissance it seemed that artists had solved all the complex representational problems such as perspective. Mannerists were ready for a challenge. They decided to turn their focus away from nature and toward the nuances of the human figure. Mannerism is sometimes referred to as Late Renaissance.
The movement originated in Rome and Florence, but spread throughout Europe. During this historical period the plague and Reformation were ravishing these cities.
Another reason for the evolution into Mannerism is the changing view society had on artists. No longer were they seen as mere craftsman. Now painters and sculptors were respected for their expressive abilities. Artists gained the same respect that poets and the like had already possessed. This intense expression, based on the individual thought process, became an inspiration to Symbolists and Surrealists.
Since being replaced by Baroque art reflections on this movement have varied. Initially post-Mannerism artists looked down upon the art. They considered it artificial and unnecessary. In the later 19th century Mannerism regained admiration in the art world. It was now valued for its extremely expressive qualities.
Mannerism extended throughout the artistic fields and included sculpture and architecture along with painting. Sculpture was predominantly bronze.
Characteristics of Mannerism Painting:
Space was often ambiguous. The composition allowed for very little negative space giving the viewer a lot to take in as far as subject matter is concerned. The compositions also generally have no distinct focal point.
The figures in Mannerism paintings seem to be made of putty allowing the artist to distort the body through stretching and manipulation. Human figures were often contorted into bizarre poses. The body would be twisted and bent in ways that were human impossibilities. Some of the distortion is found in the elongation of body parts as well as reduction in size of the head. This often gave the figures a sense of anxiety.
Subject matter varies and includes mythology, Biblical references, and abstract themes.
Vibrant colors were used to enliven the already busy composition. Color was used to enhance the expressive and decorative qualities of the works.
Precursors to Mannerism
Raphael
Michelangelo
Some Mannerism Artists:
Giulio Romano
Andrea del Sarto
Pontormo
Rosso Fiorentino
Parmigianino
Bronzino
Sebastiano del Piombo
Daniele da Volterra
Tintoretto
Veronese
Correggio
El Greco
Sources and Images:
http://www.nga.gov/collection/gallery/gg21/gg21-main1.html