The term “mannerism” is applied to an Italian artistic movement of the 16th century, which drew its inspiration from the maniera (or the style) of the great artists who worked in Rome during the preceding years, particularly Raffaello and Michelangelo.
The age of the maniera begins with the death of Raffaello in 1520, and it is given impetus, ironically, by one of the blackest events in the history of the West, the sack of Rome by the Imperial Army in 1527. This event scattered the Roman community of artists all over the Peninsula (Naples, Pesaro, Bologna, Mantova), and as far away as Fontainebleau in France, and everywhere they went the artists brought their visions and techniques and seeded the flowering of the maniera in Late Renaissance Europe.
However, the term maniera is already present in the writings of Giorgio Vasari in the 15th century. For Vasari the next logical step from naturalism was the surpassing and the perfectioning of nature herself. The logical argument went as follows: if the earlier greats had finally succeeded in understanding and codifying the laws by which nature can successfully be imitated, then their successors, starting with a complete understanding of these rules, will know how to bend them to their pleasure and their artistic inspiration. Technical competence of the highest order and an ability to faithfully depict the natural world are givens in the ethos of the maniera: the mastery of the rules is merely the starting point for the license the artist is then allowed. This tension between rule and license is in fact a key philosophical feature of the maniera movement. This is the pictorial equivalent of that sprezzatura exhibited with such eloquence in the Il Cortigiano, by Baldassarre Castiglione. Furthermore, the maniera exhibits the inclusion of bizarre or incongruous elements, a vagueness in the colors, and a wide variety of background scenes.
Amongst the practitioners of the maniera there stands out a group of artists who elaborated classical themes with greater personality and depth than heretofore. Of these we may mention Bronzino, Vasari, Daniele da Volterra, Francesco Salviati, Giuseppe Porta, Nicolo’ dell’Abate, Carpenino, the brothers Federico, and Thaddeus Zuccari.
The age of the maniera begins to decline with the end of the Council of Trent 1n 1563, but the movement, as it wanes, becomes ever more refined, introverted and decorative, giving birth to works of unexcelled virtuosity, commissioned by the great European ruling houses for private enjoyment of an extremely elitist character. Such were the works belonging to the Studiolo di Francesco I in the Palazzo Vecchio in Firenze, and in the collection of Rudolph II in Prague. The movement finally declines into affectation, artificiality, preciousness, characteristics that have been variously found and evaluated in these artists according to the changing tastes of the times.
The term manierismo (as opposed to maniera) appears much later, with the flowering of the neo-classicism of the late 18th century. Fundamentally this was understood as a digression of art from its own ideal, and was thus negatively judged by the historian Jacob Burkhardt in characterizing the Italian period between the Renaissance and the Baroque. However, in the early years of the 20th century, with the advent of expressionism and surrealism, the Mannerists were rehabilitated and the underlying Mannerist philosophy (the separation of art from physical reality, the abandonment of the idea that the beauty of nature is unsurpassable, and moving past the idea that the artistic ideal should be the imitation of nature) was vindicated. In this conception then art becomes art for its own sake, ars gratia artis.
Medieval Silver
Revisiting my small antique collection is what inspired this painting. I take great pleasure in looking at and touching metal and glass objects, taking in the reflections and the historical, artistic and pragmatic meaning of each object which is ultimately dictated by its daily use.
Acrylic/Mixed media with metallic colors. Large contemporary piece - 3D effects, 24″ x 30″, unframed
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Italian Melagrana
A beautiful rendering in acrylic of this quintessentially Mediterranean fruit, perfect in all details, lustrous and seductive. A perfect riposte to the “life is a bowl of cherries” metaphor. The beauty of this slightly six-sided fruit is so awesome one can barely take his eyes off this ball of deep fire. So silky to the touch… it hurts to cut it up, but as we do the preciousness of it all comes to life in the transparent ruby/garnet red of each tiny jewel. How can anyone resist its lure? The flavor is so deep, rich, and complex, so velvety and yet at the same time sharp, that one can only be grateful for the gift of taste buds. How can one hold back from painting this shout of glory to the senses!!
Description: 14″ by 11″ acrylic on board, measures 1″ by 15″ framed
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Timeless Roman
This large piece is both soothing and thought provoking as it quietly proposes the passage of time and, simultaneously, its staying power. Starting from left to right according to western tradition we browse through the past, viewing an ancient Roman garden urn sitting on a tattered wall. In the background the profile of a roman aristocratic woman is almost colorless yet it subtly dominates the composition. She, a Patrician, born to occupy a higher social position, refuses to be forgotten, in spite of the centuries past and the broken round shapes that encircle her. Time travel continues through the unchanged and glorified symbols of grapes and trees. A Representational Abstract.
Dimensions are 36″ by 24″, unframed. Acrylic on canvas
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Tuscan Cypresses
An iconic representation of a Tuscan landscape, stripped to its basic symbolism. The cypresses in the foreground seem to be guarding the idyllic landscape beyond, allowing but a glimpse, almost daring the casual visitor to venture farther. The soft colors and graceful decorative elements are a treat to the eye.
Acrylic on canvas, dimensions are 36″ by 24″, unframed.
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Verona, Italy
An eclectic Italian banquet overlooking the city of Verona. Prepared no doubt for a contemporary Romeo and Juliet. A sampling of southern cuisine can be glimpsed on the table, along with a Neapolitan coffeemaker. Is the artist sending a message on this 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy?
Acrylic, 16″ by 12″, unframed. This painting was used as the cover of Timothy Holmes’ detective novel set in Italy, “The Neapolitan Streak”
Italian Wine Shadow
An elegant study in shadow rendering and perspective. Makes you feel like you should be able to reach out and pour your guest a glass of Italian wine.
Unframed dimensions 8 x 10 Acrylic on Canvas, sold framed.
Prints available, touched up and signed by the artist. $450 (16”x20’), $600 (18”x24”0)
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Italian Blue
A dreamy haze suffuses this stylized Italian seascape, as befits a scene of fantasy and myth. Yet it is unmistakably Italian. The far perspective hints at unfinished journeys in time and space and at further beauties beyond the horizon.
Acrylic on canvas, LARGE PIECE. Dimensions are 30″ by 40″, unframed. Deep 1.5″ gallery wrap canvas requires no framing.
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Italian Tulips
Tulips can brighten up anyone’s day not to mention their home. This italian painting of tulips brings out the contemporary style usually only available at much higher prices. This is a 3D mixed media piece meant to make you feel happy and colorful inside, an Italian bubbling Carnival of colors
Size: 18″ x 24″, unframed.
Venezia Impressionista
This painting captures the Venetian dawn like no other. With the vibrant and warm colors clashing with the shadows this piece is sure to add to the elegance and style of any home or office.
Dimensions are 11″ by 14″, acrylic on canvas, unframed.
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Biancheria Veneziana
A whimsical mixed media production to delight and brighten a young lady’s room, or an amusing parody of an old Italian stereotype.
Mixed media. Dimensions are 28″ by 22″, unframed.
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Italian Nude
An intimate look at a graceful pose. Earthy yet elegant.
Framed, acrylic on board, 25″ by 35″. Unframed size is 18″ by 24″
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Books with Vase
Puts you in a mind of an easy leather chair in your library, a good book to peruse( leather-bound, of course), an Italian liqueur to sip, and a Havana cigar to savor.
Dimensions are 11″ by 14″ unframed. Acrylic on canvas board.
Tintoretto
An oh so typical Venetian sight! No canals, but unmistakably Venetian nevertheless.
24″ by 20″ acrylic painting on canvas giclee. This painting started as a digital photo on canvas. The 1.5″ deep canvas wrap does not require framing.
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Tuscan Rage
A surreal, energetic landscape expressing a moment of rage, redeemed by the soothing colors of forgiveness, tender pinks and purples, in which the distant hills are clad.
Dimensions are 18″ by 24″, unframed. Acrylic on canvas.
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Maestro Napoletano
A lively homage to an old Neapolitan master, this work is timeless in its simplicity. Lets you relax by the seashore even when you cannot travel.
Mixed media, 24″ by 36″, unframed.
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Prospettiva Enologica
An uncompromising and skillful study in perspective, this mellow bottle will add a touch of Italian class to your bar or dining room.
Dimensions are 10″ by 20″, framed, 1.5″ deep canvas.
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