Final answer:
Mannerism is an artistic movement that arose after the High Renaissance, characterized by exaggerated and distorted forms, elongating figures. Though it was once regarded as a deviation from classical ideals, it is now acknowledged for its innovative and complex approach. Key examples of Mannerist architecture, such as the Laurentian Library, demonstrate the movement's unique style.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mannerism
Mannerism is an artistic movement that developed in the late High Renaissance around 1520 and remained influential until about 1580. It is characterized by a complex style that incorporates deliberate distortion and exaggeration of perspective, including the elongation of figures. This movement emerged in both Florence and Rome as a reaction to the harmonious and proportionate works of the High Renaissance. Mannerist artists such as Parmigianino and Pontormo sought to express the crisis of the era, characterized by the Sack of Rome and challenges to the power of the Catholic Church put forth by the Protestant Reformation.
Mannerism is known for its artificial colors, irrational settings, ambiguous subject matters, and elongated forms. These traits marked a departure from the balanced and naturally idealized art that characterized the earlier Renaissance. Examples of Mannerist architecture include the Laurentian Library in Florence, designed by Michelangelo, which exhibits the distortion of perspective and use of space without concern for classical constraints that mark the Mannerist style.
By the 1580s, a shift away from Mannerism began, paving the way for the emergence of the Baroque movement. Artists such as Caravaggio and Carracci developed a new approach, countering the convoluted forms of Mannerism with the Baroque's dramatic emphasis on light and color. Although Mannerism faced a period of criticism, it is now recognized for its contribution to artistic experimentation and its complex approach to challenging established Renaissance ideals.