Mannerism

Mannerism describes tendencies in sixteenth-century European art; its name relates to the Italian word for style or manner. Building on Renaissance skills, artists elongated bodies, twisted poses and compressed space. Unusual colors and elaborate compositions heightened tension, emphasizing cultivated technique and individual invention over effortless natural balance.

Kind

Art movement

Lineage

Classical to Romantic Art

Medium family

Printmaking, traditional arts and regional crafts

Medium

Oil painting

Technique

Glazing

Colour

High saturation

Key traits

1. 01Elongated bodies and twisting poses create tension
2. 02Compressed space and unstable proportions emphasize artifice
3. 03Unusual color pairings and elaborate folds heighten refinement