Mannerism - Slide Images

Mannerism

Overview

  • Mannerism: Refers to the art style that emerged in the late Renaissance, characterized by exaggerated proportions, emotive figures, and a tendency to focus on artificiality rather than realistic representation.

Historical Context

  • Sack of Rome (1527): Marked the end of the High Renaissance, leading to the emergence of Mannerism.

  • Historical timeline:

    • High Renaissance: 1490-1527

    • Mannerism: 1520-1600

    • Baroque: 1600-1770

Artistic Trends

  • Questions raised: What more can be done? This reflects the artists' drive to reach new artistic heights after the perfection achieved in the High Renaissance.

  • Concepts such as the "Silver Age" of Renaissance art reflect a shift to a more personal and expressive style.

  • The term “Mannerism” refers to a style that may emulate earlier artists but heavily features an emotional and sometimes distorted approach.

Rules and Freedom in Art

  • Discusses the limitations of Renaissance art, which, while beautiful, imposed rules that restricted creativity.

  • Comparison of artistic principles:

    • Idealized Nature: High Renaissance focus

    • Augmented Nature: Mannerist adaptation

    • Proportions: Changes from realism to elongation and asymmetry

    • Stability vs. Instability: Exploring dynamic tensions in art.

Late Michelangelo

  • The Last Judgment (1536-1541): Michelangelo's work transitioned toward emotional impact and shock, sacrificing traditional beauty for greater dramatic expression.

  • Terribilità: A concept expressing awe and grandeur, highlighting emotional intensity over classical beauty.

Comparison of Works

  • The Damned Soul: Notable for elongated forms and emotional agony.

  • Self-portrait by Michelangelo as St. Bartholomew: A representation of the artist within the work, merging identity and iconography.

Michelangelo's Later Works

  • Cappella Paolina in Vatican City: A culmination of Michelangelo's adaptation of late Renaissance styles.

  • The Conversion of Saul (c. 1545): Focus shifted from symmetry to a more personal vision disconnected from traditional beauty.

  • The Crucifixion of St. Peter (c. 1550): Received criticism due to its departure from expected artistic norms.

Parmigianino

  • Known as "The Little One from Parma": Celebrated for his innovation, produced iconic Mannerist works until his untimely death at 37.

  • Self-portrait in a Convex Mirror (c. 1524): Demonstrates fascination with distorted reality and perspective.

  • The Conversion of St. Paul (1527): Features elongated fingers and dramatic gestures, capturing fear and grandeur.

  • The Vision of St. Jerome (1527): Further exploration of Mannerist themes.

Comparison with Leonardo da Vinci

  • Saint John the Baptist (c. 1516): Traditional symmetry with ideal proportions highlights the contrast with Mannerism.

Parmigianino’s Madonna with the Long Neck (1534)

  • Challenges Renaissance ideals:

    • Elongated Virgin’s neck for elegance.

    • All angels depicted on a single side of the composition.

    • The Baby Jesus’ precarious position reflects unconventional artistry.

  • Quote from E.H. Gombrich: Artists of this period pushed boundaries, setting the stage for modern art by creating new and unexpected works.

  • Self-portrait (1540): Indicates the artist's personal evolution before his death.

El Greco

  • Known as "the Greek": A notable Greek-born Spanish Mannerist through Late Mannerism period.

  • St. Andrew and St. Francis (c. 1595): Features typical elongated forms of Mannerism.

  • Laocoön (1610): Depicts a classic scene of struggle against divine forces.

Iconic Works of El Greco

  • The Burial of the Count of Orgaz (1586): Influenced by Byzantine art and the Counter-Reformation.

  • View of Toledo (c. 1600): A forward-thinking piece that influenced 20th-century artists.

  • The Opening of the Fifth Seal (c. 1614): Another work reflecting El Greco’s forward-thinking style.