Mannerism Art Movement

Mannerism is a European Art style and it has emerged in the later years of Italian High Renaissance around the year 1520. Mannerism style flourished till 1580 and later got replaced by Baroque style.

Jacopo Pontormo, Joseph in Egypt, Oil on Wood, National Gallery

Mannerism is influenced by various approaches and harmonious ideals that were associated with famous artists such a Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. Mannerism is a style of art which is known for its artificial qualities and intellectual sophistication. There is a presence of compositional tension and instability in Mannerism.

Parmigianino's Madonna With a Long Neck

Joachim Wtewael, Persues and Andromeda, 1616

There is a lot of debate and arguments between many art historians about the definition of Mannerism.

Nomenclature and origin:

The word Mannerism comes from an Italian word Maniera which means “Manner” or “Style”. But many art historians have different views of the word Mannerism but still many recognize and identify it with European art and culture in the 16^th Century.