Major Artists of Mannerism

Mannerism was an artistic movement that emerged in the late Renaissance period, characterized by a departure from the classical balance and harmony that had dominated the art of the High Renaissance. Instead, Mannerist artists sought to create works that were more expressive, complex, and often exaggerated. This section will explore the major artists of Mannerism in painting and architecture, providing insight into their biographies, styles, techniques, and major works.

Painting

Parmigianino

Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, known as Parmigianino, was an Italian Mannerist painter and printmaker born in Parma, Italy, in 1503. He is known for his elongated figures, distorted perspective, and virtuosic use of light and shadow.

Parmigianino's most famous work is the Madonna with the Long Neck, which is characterized by the elongated neck of the Madonna and the exaggerated proportions of the infant Jesus. Another notable work is the Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror, which features a distorted reflection of the artist's face in a convex mirror.

Bronzino

Agnolo di Cosimo, known as Bronzino, was an Italian Mannerist painter born in Florence in 1503. He is known for his elegant portraits, which often feature elongated figures, intricate patterns, and a cool, detached style.

Bronzino's most famous work is the Portrait of Eleonora of Toledo with her son Giovanni de' Medici, which features the elegant and refined style that he is known for. Another notable work is the Allegory of Venus and Cupid, which features a complex allegory of love and desire.

El Greco

Domenikos Theotokopoulos, known as El Greco, was a Greek Mannerist painter born in Crete in 1541. He is known for his dramatic use of color, elongated figures, and expressive style.

El Greco's most famous work is the Burial of the Count of Orgaz, which features a complex composition of figures and a dramatic use of light and shadow. Another notable work is the View of Toledo, which features a striking view of the city and a dramatic use of color.

Tintoretto

Jacopo Robusti, known as Tintoretto, was an Italian Mannerist painter born in Venice in 1518. He is known for his dynamic compositions, dramatic use of light and shadow, and expressive brushwork.

Tintoretto's most famous work is the Last Supper, which features a dynamic composition of figures and a dramatic use of light and shadow. Another notable work is the Miracle of the Slave, which features a dramatic scene of a slave being rescued from drowning.

Architecture

Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola

Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola was an Italian Mannerist architect born in Vignola, Italy, in 1507. He is known for his elegant and harmonious buildings, which often feature classical elements and a sense of balance and proportion.

Vignola's most famous work is the Church of the Gesù in Rome, which features a harmonious and elegant facade and a dramatic interior. Another notable work is the Villa Farnese in Caprarola, which features a complex and innovative plan.

Giulio Romano

Giulio Romano was an Italian Mannerist architect born in Rome in 1499. He is known for his innovative and expressive buildings, which often feature complex and dynamic forms.

Romano's most famous work is the Palazzo Te in Mantua, which features a complex and innovative plan and a richly decorated interior. Another notable work is the Church of San Benedetto in Mantua, which features a dramatic and expressive facade.

Andrea Palladio

Andrea Palladio was an Italian Mannerist architect born in Padua, Italy, in 1508. He is known for his elegant and harmonious buildings, which often feature classical elements and a sense of balance and proportion.

Palladio's most famous work is the Villa Rotonda in Vicenza, which features a harmonious and elegant plan and a striking dome. Another notable work is the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza, which features a dramatic and expressive facade.

Baldassare Peruzzi

Baldassare Peruzzi was an Italian Mannerist architect born in Siena, Italy, in 1481. He is known for his innovative and expressive buildings, which often feature complex and dynamic forms.

Peruzzi's most famous work is the Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne in Rome, which features a complex and innovative plan and a richly decorated interior. Another notable work is the Villa Farnesina in Rome, which features a harmonious and elegant plan and a striking fresco cycle.

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