8.1 Characteristics and origins of Mannerism

Mannerism shook up Renaissance art with its wild proportions and unnatural colors. Artists like Parmigianino and Bronzino ditched classical ideals, opting for elongated figures and complex compositions that screamed artistic skill.

This style emerged in 1520s Italy, rejecting High Renaissance 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 ambiguity created through flattened or compressed pictorial space and complex, layered compositions (Pontormo'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