The Mannerism Period

The Mannerism Period follow the Renaissance. The Renaissance period was based on the idea of the perfect style which would lead to the perfect architecture, this was then taken through to the Mannerism period. The Mannerism period developed into a more creative style so it became less about having the perfect style and more about the freedom to create, which led to the acceptance that sometimes the imperfect is more pleasing to the eye.

Using the framework of the Roman and Greek influences which made up the Renaissance style this was then to adapted over time. If we go back to Michelangelo who worked on the St Peter Cathedral, he started to make the orders much larger so that they took up two floors instead of making it different orders for each floor. This became a new feature used in the mannerism period.

St Peter Cathedral has been added to over time. It was meant to be a central cathedral so that the focus was on the church, however as we see it today the front façade makes it look like a palace. The back of the cathedral is where you can still see Michelangelo’s design for the central structure with it’s geometric shape on display.

https://www.triphobo.com/places/bremen-germany/st-peter-s-cathedral

All the architects we studied over this lecture added to this new period of architecture progressing the style which then turned in the Baroque design. Two architects I found interesting in this lecture was Giancomo Barozzi Da Vignola, I really loved the Villa Giulia built for the Pope which was one of his first important commission, this retreat is found on the outskirts of Rome and has very distinguishing features. The front has a plain entrance that is inspired by the triumphal arch; however, the back has a hemispherical wing. His ideas of geometry and the oval shape plan were fundamental in the future of Baroque design.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24364447@N05/2334544903

The second Architect is Giulio Romano. The building I found interesting is called Palazzo Te Mantua. This is quite different in its finish where perfection is there but so is the fantasy of the creative. I loved that when you look at the building even though there are clear features of the Renaissance period, he had fun changing some of the characteristics that make it unique. It uses the architectural forms of the Roman, Greek used in the Renaissance but its slightly out of balance but still basically symmetrical and pleasing to the eye.

https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/palazzo-te-mantua-giulio-romano/

The mannerism period then made it way around Europe and you can see many examples of this style today, however the harmonising of classic architecture and high renaissance style is only really found in Italy. European mannerism architecture is influenced not only by Italy but also earlier gothic and medieval style. One of most famous examples mentioned in the lecture is The Old Louvre which is a mix of medieval style with mannerism. It is now the building in the background of the Louvre Museum. Certain influences can also be found in Palace of Versailles which was the royal residence in France. You can see the renaissance and mannerism in this structure from the triumphal arch of the Renaissance and the sculpture on the roof which is from the mannerism period.