Discussion #7: The "problem" of Mannerism

Pontormo Deposition from the Cross 1528

    

    Mannerism or Maniera is considered a late style of the sixteenth century. The group of artists working in this way were mainly influenced by High Renaissance master Michelangelo. “Michelangelo's authority impressed a sculptural example on Maniera painters, not only in his works in stone but by his sculpturesque painting” (Freedberg, 287). Raphael is also considered an influence because "in his last and most influential years, [took a] sculpturesque cast into his art [which] tended to dictate a stressed plasticity” (Freedberg, 287). Artists like Michelangelo influenced mannerists due their sculpturesque styles (plasticity) as stated by Freedberg “the hard-surfaced, plastically emphatic form of many high Maniera pictures, which has so large a part in this effect, comes often from the deliberate imitation of a sculptural style” (287).

    Maniera has "problems" in that it is not drawn from life or nature. It was after the artist “Raphael [that] there was suddenly a decline. Artists abandoned the study of nature, corrupted art with la maniera or, if you prefer, a fantastic idea based on practice, and not on the imitation [of nature]” (Smyth, 22). In the “mid-sixteenth century, painters of [the] day were using the word maniera derogatorily in connection with painting in which one saw forms. Faces, and (by implication) bearing and movements that were almost always alike” (Smyth, 35). It must be this extreme dislike of the style since it's beginning that it has become so controversial and no longer included in our History of Italian Renaissance Art. 

    Freedberg, in fact, did not like the term Mannerism or Maniera (but used them anyway), he much preferred to classify this style of art as "anti-classical". This makes sense because of the properties of the particular style are somewhat the antonym to the High Renaissance which was classically based. Maniera painting has characteristics of sculpturesque modelings or plasticity, elongated figures, extreme detail, angular poses, and is created usually by examining other artwork (not directly from life). “More pervasive are the principles of angularity and of spotting the composition with angular elements. Elongation is not central to maniera, but these two conventions are” (Smyth, 43). Maniera painters considered “line, modeling, and color in painting di maniera [to be] better suited to serve a uniform ideal than nature's variety” (Smyth, 49).

   However, “Maniera painting is an art of figures, as most central Italians thought painting should be” (Smyth, 49). The emphasis on grace and elegance in this style correlate to the word maniera, which "has an old association with style" (Smyth, 98). Some believe mannerism to be a decline in Florence and Rome after 1530 or 1540, the monotonously uniform figures could be easily disregarded. However, according to Smyth, “not only is Mannerism now considered valid for the Cinquecento, but it also begins to be applied as the name for a subjective, surrealistic, anticlassic phenomenon that critics see recurring in European art.” (Smyth, 98-99)

    I find the work of Mannerism exciting, the strange color schemes and weird figures are refreshing. I think mannerism is still a style sought out today. Contemporary artist John Currin must be inspired by this period of art, as well as the Pop Surrealist movement. Pop Surrealism correlates to the surrealistic characteristics of mannerism. I look forward to learning more about mannerism is class, and if others agree that mannerism is still influential today. Maybe more influential than the High Renaissance?

Lori Early LEILA
oil on board  2007 (Pop Surrealist)

John Currin The Old Fence 1999

John Currin Thanksgiving 2003