1.3 - Mannerism Flashcards
What is mannerism.
It was defined as a style in 1914, it was also known as the anti-classical style. However the artists today labeled as mannerists consider themselves classical. Originally it only referred to painting, and meant that one painted ´in the manner of…´. Later it came to have a negative connotation, a term that connoted artificialry and artistic decline on the grounds that artists did not assimilate the style of a master, but only affected it. Today its not considered a decline anymore, the distorted elements that characterize the style give spirtitual feeling and convey emotion.
The mannerist period dates from 1520 to 1600, the style is seen especially in italy (rome and florence) but was also fashionable in france.
Explain that mannerism coincides with a period of political and religious unrest.
The sack of Rome in 1527 (6 months of murder an destruction) undermined the confidence of the renaissance humanists. Religious feelings were strong in the time of the reformation and counter-reformation.
The emotional impact of mannerist art is likely to be tense and disturbing.
Explain why mannerism is not considered as important in the history of culture (like renaissance or baroque)
Mannerism was a court style oriented to the tastes of the upper class. It was formulated to attract the elegant and aristocratic sensibilities of the 16th century. The audience was restricted and it was not to have significant impact on future artistic trends.
Explain the difference between mannerism and renaissance art.
Renaissance painting : clear presenations of subject matter, balanced compositions, normal body proportions, scientific spatial constructions and preference for primary colors. Mannerist painting : intentionally obscure subject matter, unbalanced compositions, bodies with disorted proportions and contorted poses, confusing spatial constructions and a preference for secondary and acidic colors. Facial expressions may be strained or inappropriate for the subject. Aesthetic over content.
