Italian Mannerism versus Northern Mannerism

The two artworks, Madonna and Child with Angels (Madonna with the long neck) by Francesco Mazzola, known as Parmigianino and Harmony (The Three Graces) by Hans Baldung were both created during the mannerism period. Mannerism is an artistic style which is characterized by artificiality as well as artiness, by the development of technical proficiency and elegance, and by a refined indulgence in the strange. The style develop after 1520 and spread all through in 16th century due to the enormous social, economic, and political change (Smarthistory, 2023).

The two artworks have similarities as well as differences when comparing them in terms of form, content, context, artistic style, the artist’s motivation and the subject represented. In terms of context, both artworks were created during the mannerism period as mentioned before as the date and characteristics they depict match with the period in question. When looking at the artistic styles used, Madonna with the long neck has its proportions elongated, the poses are exaggerated, and its perspective is distorted. Apart from supernatural beauty, the piece applied distortion of human figure, ambiguity of space and dramatic scenes as part of mannerist qualities (Module 3 Lecture).

Baldung Grien, Hans, Harmony (The Three Graces?), 1541 – 1544, Oil on Panel

The Three Graces on the other hand are characterized by dramatic compositions of color, light, and shadow which are used as an identity of the period as they represent the uniqueness of the Mannerism period. The motivation behind both artworks is shrouded in mystery but speculations are there that the Madonna with the long neck artist was motivated by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael’s Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints while that of the three graces remains unknown but presents Northern Mannerism. The appearance of the saint presents dramatic gestures with expressive visual language. Lavish costumes that encouraged profoundly emotional and ecstatic religious devotion to the audience (Module 3 Lecture)

Francesco Mazzola, known as Parmigianino, 1534-1540, Oil on panel

With regards to content, Madonna with the long neck pictures the Virgin Mary, the Christ child, Angels, and St Jerome whereas The Three Graces illustrates three women, possibly suggesting that it is a painting of the Greek Graces done while in the woods. It make m believe that the piece combines expressive Gothic and Renaissance art elements. Madonna with a long neck is another case in point, where deep themes are explored, referring to Catholic teachings on Virgin Mary and Christ. The artist focused on contemplation and meditation rather than the moral theme of story. I can also note the artist applied unusual visual complexities like the use of se of color combinations. He lacked organization. Both of the artworks were been painted in oils on panel; however, they do not fulfill homogeneous functions Madonna with the long neck! depict the funeral chapel while The Three Graces represents a vision of the Golden Age. In general, Madonna and Child with Angels helped us understand characteristics of Italian Mannerism while Harmony (The Three Graces) presented the characteristics of Northern Mannerism.

Works Cited

Harmony (The Three Graces)

Madonna and Child with Angels (Madonna with the long neck) https://www.uffizi.it/en/artworks/parmigianino-madonna-long-neck

Smarthistory.(2023). » mannerism, an introduction. https://smarthistory.org/europe-1300-1800/italy-16th-century/mannerism-introduction/