1. Before: High Renaissance After: Baroque
Mannerism

2. Mannerism ( )
“Mannerism” is the period between the High Renaissance and the Baroque ( AD)
Works from this period show more emotion than before
Mannerism uses some of the Renaissance characteristics but abandons others
Mannerism is from the term “di mariera,” referring to a work of art done according to an acquired style rather than depicting nature - often the art was very individual in style, but there are some shared characteristics…

3. How to identify Mannerism…
Renaissance:
Mannerism:
Harmony / perfection
(e.g. Golden Mean)
Realistic but idealized human anatomy (based on antiquity)
Linear Perspective
Contrapposto – natural pose
Chiaroscuro (subtle use of lights and darks to show depth)
Organized compositions
Complex characters / compositions / subjects
Dramatic, theatrical, and sometimes overly stylized
Crisp and Frozen shapes
Muscular and / or elongated figures (exaggerated bodies)
Distorted / strange perspective views (not linear perspective)
Figures are serpentinata (serpent-like) / complex poses
Use of dramatic and / or unrealistic lighting effects

4. El Greco. The Burial of Count Orgaz (1586) Oil on canvas
Slide #18
El Greco. The Burial of Count Orgaz (1586) Oil on canvas
What technical elements do you see?
What Renaissance aspects do you see?
What Mannerist aspects do you see?

5. Artist:
His name means “the Greek”
Composition:
Artist divides composition by the celestial / terrestrial worlds
Places himself in the work (7th figure in from the left)
Uses triangular composition
Dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro)

9. Slide #19
Parmagianino. Madonna with the Long Neck. ( AD). Oil on canvas.
What distinct features identify this work as a clear example of Mannerism as opposed to a High Renaissance work?
Triangular composition
Elongated arms, legs, fingers, bodies, and neck - his is done to give the body “elegance”
Artist of this time seemed more interested in they style than the subject matter, trying to be different in his approach
Are there any other strange things you notice about the piece?
How about…
…the scantily dressed angel?
…the small figure in the back?
…the Christ child?

10. Details…

11. Slide #20
Giambologna. Abduction of the Sabine Woman. (1583 AD) Marble.

12. How is this Mannerism?
How does this piece show technical advances beyond those of Michelangelo in terms of sculpture?
Meaning of the Work:
Based on the story of Roman invading their neighbors, the Sabines, in order to obtain wives so that the population of Rome (under its founder, Romulus) could continue and thrive.

13. What makes the following works Mannerism?