Introductory description

The broad aim of this module is to provide the opportunity for an in-depth examination of the concept of Mannerism and the many artworks (from painting to sculpture and architecture) relating to the movement. It will focus in particular on how the notion of Mannerism was created already in the second half of the sixteenth century, and how it has been developed by modern scholarship, with both positive and negative inflections. Topics covered may include the emergence of anti-classicism in early sixteenth-century Florence, the development of art forms suitable for new kinds of courts ceremonials, and the diffusion of a transnational style in Western Europe connoted as Mannerism. Artists like Rosso Fiorentino, Pontormo, Bronzino, Benvenuto Cellini and others may be studied and complex decorative schemes such as the one deployed in the Château de Fontainebleau.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction
Renaissance art theory
The notion of maniera in Vasari and other art theorists
The notion of Mannerism in the modern scholarship
Drawing and draughtsmanship: the study of Nature, antiquity and the modern masters
The study of the human figure
Between Florence and Rome: the early Italian Mannerists (Rosso Fiorentino, Pontormo, Parmigianino, Bronzino, Salviati)
Mannerism in sculpture: Cellini to Giambologna
Mannerism in architecture: Raphael, Giulio Romano, Michelangelo, Vasari
The School of Fontainebleau
Netherlandish Mannerists
The School of Prague
Art and Nature: the Mannerist garden
The question of the sacred images
The Later Mannerists

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a grasp of the main lines of Mannerism-related artworks and the notion of Mannerism in contemporary art theory
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the works studied and their contexts
• Deploy these ideas critically in relation to other forms of art

Subject specific skills

Command a knowledge of the main lines of Mannerism-related artworks
Command a knowledge of the notion of Mannerism in contemporary art theory
Solid visual analysis and understanding of visual culture
Critical analysis of cultural artefacts in their context

Transferable skills

• contribute to group discussion through intelligent questioning and debate at an appropriate level
• ability to undertake research and to write up the results using accurately specific techniques of analysis and enquiry in the form of a well-structured argument at an appropriate level
• familiarity with essential ICT skills
• ability to collaborate effectively with others
• show understanding of diverse viewpoints
• ability to find, select, organize and synthesize evidence
• ability to formulate a sustained argument
• think conceptually and independently at an appropriate level
• ability to conduct independent research and analysis
• bibliographical skills at an appropriate level