Blog #2 -- Mannerism

Between the early 16th century High Renaissance and the 17th century Baroque period there was a very controversial art style called mannerism. The Renaissance was a period of natural, balanced, and harmonious figures. Mannerism was pretty much the complete opposite of that. Although mannerism used very skillful techniques, it was typified with clashing colors, elongated figures (especially limbs), and bizarre themes. Subjects were often erotic and unsettling. Madonna with the Long Neck by Parmigianino (left) is a perfect example of mannerism. Madonna is elongated with her lower torso and legs made much wider, mirroring the vase by the youth on the left. There is also a lack of clear perspective. These aesthetic qualities as well as it not being clear what the theme is, make this piece a classic example of mannerism.

Needless to say, mannerism has not been given a good reputation. Up until recently, mannerism has often been considered a dirty word. However, I feel that with modern art which does not always grasp the concepts found in the Renaissance, mannerism has become a little more respectable.


After reading this description, I was instantly reminded of an artist I heard of during an art class in highschool. John Currin is famous for paintings laden with satire and provocative sexual and social themes. For this reason, he has been subject to much controversy and even has been said to be pornographic. Although people sometimes do not agree with his subjects, it is apparent he has a skillful technique. While all of this applies to mannerism, what stuck out to me the most was the way he distorted the female form. For example, in Thanksgiving (2003) (right), Currin has depicted three emaciated women around a large, uncooked turkey. The woman in the middle has an elongated neck like the Madonna piece and has an exaggerated opened mouth waiting for a piece of the uncooked turkey. The theme of this piece is unclear, like most mannerist paintings, because of the uncooked turkey. The piece also has the same unusual colors characteristic of this time period.

Another example is Currin's Park City Grill (2000) ( left). Like the Madonna and Thanksgiving pieces, this painting shows an elongated neck as well as a distorted male face. Although the theme of this piece is not as obscure, it still holds many consistencies with mannerist works of art. These examples helped me realize that the mannerist style is still alive today in modern art. Although Currin is often not respected for his work, the style is still not as controversial as it was in the past. This is because with modern art, there are so many different styles and ways to portray a message besides literal and realistic depictions. Mannerism can therefore be appreciated for what it is and not just thought of as ugly.