Art historians recognize that the High Renaissance style was not lost between 1520 and the beginning of 17th-century Baroque art. Rather it underwent changes in the way in which artists applied the principles of the previous generation. A graceful, sometimes distorted compositional style emerged in painting that has been called Mannerism. Beginning in the 1520s, Early Mannerist tendencies can be seen first in the works of various Italian painters, and later in other European artists. Sculpture and to a lesser extent architecture also employ Mannerist elements. Architecture of the late 16th century initiates a transitional style known as Proto-Baroque.
After reading the chapter, you should be able to:
- define some of the distinctive characteristics associated with Mannerism.
- identify works by individual artists.
- recognize how Mannerism was transmitted into sculpture and architecture.
- understand the role of theater in late 16th centuryItaly.
- define the importance of the Counter Reformation and the Council of Trent.
