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MANNERISM

VENICE: 1500’S

During the 16th century, Venice could be described as a city ofconstantly changing lights and reflections. Surrounded by

colourful buildings, shimmering sunlight, and the ripping water ofthe canals, Venetian artists were inspired to paint works that

glowed with colour.

Past influences

Venetian artists skillfully adapted the Byzantine use of colour,light, and texture to their own painting. At the same time theywere aware of the new Renaissance concern for reality that

characterized the art of Florence and Rome.

Oil paintingOil paint allowed for a newrichness in colours. Thismedium was more suited to theVenetian taste than the cold,pale frescoes of Florence andRome. It was more vivid andallowed the artist to createdelicate chances in hue,intensity and value. Further, theartist could linger over a paintingto produce a glowing effect withcolours that stayed wet andworkable for days. Hard edgeswere abandoned for soft, cloud-like surroundings.

mannerism1525 - 1600

MANNERISM• Mannerism was a deliberate revolt by artists against the goals ofthe Renaissance.

• Important artists EL GRECO TINTORETTO ANGUISSOLA VERONESE

CULTURAL INFLUENCES• POLITICAL UNREST: At the time of theHigh Renaissance, Italy was at peace. Then,France invaded and took over parts of Italy,leaving a continuing war over control andmany areas being ruled by foreign kings.

• RELIGIOUS DISUNITY: In the early 16thcentury, Europe was Catholic and the churchwas dogmatic, politically powerful, wealthyand corrupt. Renaissance Humanism let to amore secular lifestyle where the church wasviewed as meaningless rituals. Eventually,dissatisfaction let to revolt and the beginningof other versions of Christianity, ProtestantReformation.

characteristics• While Renaissance artists sought nature to find style, Manneristslooked first for a style and found manner.

• No focal point• Space is ambiguous. The composition is “jammed”• Expressive, but lightly coloured• Imbalanced compositions• Seeks instability and restlessness• Has an artificial appearance• Based on emotion• Figures are:

– Athletically bending and twisting– Distorted– Exaggerated– Elongated– Bizarrely postured (yet graceful)

Date: 1597Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1586Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1579Medium: oil on canvas

Christ Cleansing the TempleDate: 1570Medium: oil on panel

Christ Driving the Traders from theTempleDate: 1600Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1580Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1594Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1548Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1555Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1573Medium: oil on canvas

Date: 1575Medium: oil on canvas