When the classical motion of painting ended, artists in Italy developed a new painting style and this period was referred to as Mannerism. This essay offers distinctive characteristics of mannerism and explains how Pontormo's work shows mannerism.
The Origin of Mannerism
The origin of mannerism is maniera in Italian which means style. This creative style was first viewed in Rome and Florence. From the art history, it is clear that after High Renaissance ended, there was a calamity for younger artists. There seemed to be no problem due to the fact it looked like former artists had already achieved the entirety that could be achieved (Gombrich et al. 2016). There had been no difficulties that needed to be solved. There was an nearly near to a perfect knowledge of appearance, light, and anatomy through which people express their emotions and gesture. Gradation of tone, figurative composition and all other aspects of human expression through art was almost perfect (In Meyer-Dinkgräfe et al. 2016) Upcoming artists had to come up with their new goal in art, and therefore they ventured in coming up with new approaches to art. Due to the desire to have a new and innovative art, mannerism strongly emerged and developed tremendously to become popular (Gombrich et al. 2016).
Key Characteristics of Mannerism
Instability and compositional tension are the first key characteristics of mannerism style of art. Figures drawn using mannerism art are normally poised in fake or complicated positions with dreamy or inattentive expressions. The settings for the figures are distorted, unfounded and irrational.
Pontormo's Artworks
Pontormo's artworks are a perfect example of Mannerism. "Vertumnus and Pomona, Madonna with Child and Saints" are some of Pantormo's works which express the features of mannerism. Deposition is one dominant characteristic that never missed on Pontormo's artwork. The figures drawn by Pontormo are usually modeled in brilliant colors, swirling ovular composition, and they are usually on a flattened background. From the pictures, Christ and mourners look alike in anguish. It should also be noted that in the figure, mourners bear the weight of a mature man, but they seem not to touch the ground. The deposition in this figure is an expression of a beautiful yet unnatural representation of removal of Christ from the cross.
Characteristic Representation in Pontormo's Works
Works by Pontormo is a clear representation of mannerism as demonstrated in the characteristics above. Deposition is the common characteristic of most of the figures having unique positioning and painted in a shady background. The background for the figures is almost similar.
References
Gombrich, E. H., & Phaidon Verlag GmbH. (2016). The Story of Art, Luxury Edition.
In Meyer-Dinkgräfe, D., & International Conference on Consciousness, Theatre, Literature and the Arts. (2016). Consciousness, theatre, literature and the arts 2015.
