mannerism

A mannerism is a gesture, speech pattern, or way of conduct that is characteristic of an individual. These “micro-behaviors” might range from an everyday movement (i.e. clearing the throat) to a very specific tic (i.e. biting nails when nervous).

Notable for its artificial (as opposed to naturalistic) qualities, this artistic style privileges compositional tension and instability rather than the balance and clarity of earlier Renaissance painting. Mannerism in literature and music is notable for its highly florid style and intellectual sophistication.

ABSTRACT Mannerism was an artistic style that flourished in the sixteenth century between the High Renaissance and the emergence of the Baroque era. Originating in Rome and Florence in the 1520s, Mannerism eventually spread throughout Europe.

Mannerist is a sixteenth century style of art and design characterised by artificiality, elegance and sensuous distortion of the human figure. Unknown artist, Britain. An Allegory of Man (1596 or after) Tate. Mannerism is the name given to the style followers of Raphael and Michelangelo from around 1520–1600.

The term mannerism describes the style of the paintings and bronze sculpture on this tour. Derived from the Italian maniera, meaning simply “style,” mannerism is sometimes defined as the “stylish style” for its emphasis on self-conscious artifice over realistic depiction.

Some characteristics common to many Mannerist works include distortion of the human figure, a flattening of pictorial space, and a cultivated intellectual sophistication.

The style is designed characterized by artificiality, elegance, and sensual distortion of the human figure. The painting and sculpture mostly show elongated and distorted symbols in which the artists aim to make art look elegant. Mannerist style depicts figures in their characteristic serpentine shapes.

Some characteristics common to many Mannerist works include distortion of the human figure, a flattening of pictorial space, and a cultivated intellectual sophistication.

The style is designed characterized by artificiality, elegance, and sensual distortion of the human figure. The painting and sculpture mostly show elongated and distorted symbols in which the artists aim to make art look elegant. Mannerist style depicts figures in their characteristic serpentine shapes.

Some characteristics common to many Mannerist works include distortion of the human figure, a flattening of pictorial space, and a cultivated intellectual sophistication. Certain aspects of Mannerism are anticipated in the work of Andrea del Sarto (1486–1530).

Synonyms of mannerism

• trick.
• trait.
• characteristic.
• habit.
• quirk.
• idiosyncrasy.
• peculiarity.
• eccentricity.

As a whole, Mannerist painting tends to be more artificial and less naturalistic than Renaissance painting. This exaggerated idiom is typically associated with attributes such as emotionalism, elongated human figures, strained poses, unusual effects of scale, lighting or perspective, vivid often garish colours.