| Mannerism-The History | | | | themes. Many early Mannerist Paintings show an |
| The word 'Mannerism' was inspired from the | | | | underlying current of unrest and disturbance, |
| Italian word 'maniera,' meaning stylishness. Art | | | | perhaps due to the political disruption and the |
| critic Giorgio Vasari first used the word | | | | plague, which was wrecking the peace of Italy at |
| 'Mannerism' to describe the individual techniques | | | | the time. The art of the High Maniera Period |
| and personal stylization of various artists in their | | | | however, were less emotive and carried an air of |
| art. Mannerism was a very distinct art style, which | | | | aloofness. Mannerist's compositions usually |
| gained prominence in the early 16th century. It | | | | depicted elongated awkward human figures in |
| bridged the gap between the great 'High | | | | oddly complex exaggerated poses .The resultant |
| Renaissance' era and the 'Baroque' style art of the | | | | pictures were often Surreal and seemed artificial, |
| 17th century. Mannerism was born in artistically | | | | which is why art historians did not very well |
| high Italian cities, such as Florence or Rome. It | | | | receive this style. They found Mannerism |
| later spread its wings in the entire Europe. The | | | | superficial in comparison to the grandeur and |
| harmony and 'Realism' of High Renaissance Art | | | | Naturalism of High Renaissance Art. |
| was abandoned for a lively, bizarre, and | | | | Mannerist Works |
| non-conformist approach. | | | | Michelangelo was the greatest Mannerist. His |
| Mannerist Eraso Early Mannerism Era: This | | | | works at the Sistine Chapel, Vestibule in the |
| anti-classical phase lasted during 1520-50.o High | | | | Laurentian Library, and 'Last Judgment' are some |
| Maniera Period: It took shape in the latter half of | | | | exemplary bright Mannerist works. Some other |
| the 16th century. | | | | Mannerist masterpieces are 'Joseph in Egypt' by |
| Overall, Mannerism lasted for about 80 years. | | | | Jacopo da Pontormo, 'Susanna and the Elders' by |
| Many art historians refused to recognize | | | | Alessandro Allori, El Greco's 'Baptism,' Benvento |
| Mannerism as a movement or period and referred | | | | Cellini's gold painted 'Cellini Salt Cellar,' and the |
| to the time as 'Late Renaissance' era. | | | | portraits by Angolo Bronzino. |
| Mannerism-The Intricacies | | | | Mannerism may have lacked in opulence unlike the |
| Fantastical dramatized portrayals created using | | | | High Renaissance Art, but it certainly carried an air |
| vivid colors, with theatrical lighting, were the | | | | of elegant sophistication. It was a great |
| typical features of Mannerism. Mannerist Paintings | | | | revolutionary time for Western Painting and art |
| were lascivious in nature and their subjects | | | | history in general, which set base for an inspiring |
| revolved around Christian and mythological | | | | learning period for the artists to come. |