Mannerism Art, which originated in Italy during the late 15th century, is a style of art that is characterized by its use of exaggerated and often distorted proportions and figures. The term Mannerism was derived from the Italian word maniera, which means “style” or “manner”.
It is believed that Mannerism was an outgrowth of the Renaissance period and was developed in response to the classical ideals of the High Renaissance. In contrast to the rounded forms and idealized figures found in Renaissance art, Mannerism featured figures with elongated limbs and twisted poses. This style of art also often contained a sense of tension or unease due to its distorted forms.
Mannerism was initially popularized by artists like Michelangelo and Raphael who used its characteristics in their works.
However, it was later perfected by Titian, Parmigianino, Pontormo and other Italian Mannerists such as Rosso Fiorentino and Jacopo da Pontormo. These artists were known for their bold use of color and dramatic compositions.
Mannerism continued to be popular throughout Europe during the 16th century but began to decline during the 17th century as Baroque Art became more fashionable. Despite its waning popularity, there were still some notable Mannerist works created during this period such as those of Caravaggio and Annibale Carracci.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Mannerism with contemporary artists such as Lucian Freud continuing to draw inspiration from this style of art for their own works.
Conclusion:
The history of Mannerism Art spans centuries with its origins rooted in Italy during the late 15th century. It was a bold departure from Renaissance ideals that featured exaggerated proportions and unusual poses that often conveyed a sense of tension or unease. Although it declined during the 17th century, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity with contemporary artists drawing inspiration from this unique style for their own work today.