THE HIGH RENAISSANCE AND THE PUSH FOR MANNERISM

 The Journal article from The Burlington Magazine called "The Concept of Mannerism" is a short article written during the 1960's detailing the concept of mannerism from how it was seen, felt, and used by artists during the renaissance.  The goal of this short editorial is to explain what truly Mannerism is; its usage from the artists, how it should be examined and why it was used.  During the late renaissance when Mannerism was being used the article states "any attempt to define the character of the period surveyed, seems pointless, there are too many exceptions" (The Burlington Magazine, 171).  During the Use of Mannerism, it is indicated that artists employing this could not be defined under one use of art style or medium but instead classified by the usage of many different styles and mediums and the lack of consistency between artists and works during the push for Mannerism.

 Laurentian Library
Michealangelo
1523

         Both chapter 13 and the article explain the concept and idea of mannerism in the artwork from the late Renaissance. But the article provides a slightly broader idea of what it looked like for most artists incorporating Mannerism; whilst chapter 13 focuses on certain works and how they embody Mannerism for the artist.  From the second Video in chapter 3 covering Mannerism, it is stated "They had perfected the naturalism that they had sought after since the time of Johnta"(Khan Academy, 1:32- 1:38).  This statement from the video shows the broadened reason for why artists began to use and incorporate mannerism because it was a style already perfected and used for so much time and they wanted to seek out and experiment with new ways.  But in the Article, it goes on to define Mannerism as a whole for all artists who incorporated and used Mannerism, "The style must at first had some unity Which justified the general description. . . time went on and we came to unmask more and more the term grew increasingly frantic."(The Burlington Magazine, 171).  The definition seemed fixed at first when mannerism began but as time went on mannerism seemed to incorporate many styles and mediums becoming increasingly harder and more complex to define.  In comparison to chapter 13 it explains the reason for Mannerism and why it was so widely seen and used by artists, but the article covers the concept and the idea and trouble behind defining what truly was mannerism when looked at.

                   A brief introduction and idea intro what Mannerism was in the late Renaissance

    I chose this article because it provided new information as to what Mannerism was, its application, definition, and how it was viewed by scholar.  From chapter 13 it is already described that mannerism is a break away from naturalism and other ideas used during the renaissance, but the article provides an expanded history on the word artists who used it.  As the article goes on it explains the complex and umbrella definition Mannerism is as it does not represent one style or medium, but an action taken by artists to change and incorporate or find new ways.  It also defines mannerism as a break from the mold that requires a reevaluation of the same artwork we have been seeing.  As stated, "The concept of Mannerism prevents us from seeing what we are looking at, and we are to ignore if to make any progress" (The Burlington Magazine, 171).  The article further details the idea and concept is to foregoes what you think you know about the art and medium and look at it from a fresh and new perspective.  As Mannerism is a break from naturalism and other concepts in art and therefore requires a fresh take and eye for it to be seen and understood.