The Late Renaissance and Mannerism ~ Linda Murray

The Late Renaissance and Mannerism ~ Linda Murray

Medium hard cover with dust jacket and non-adhesive plastic protective sleeve
Very good condition

Linda Murrays The Late Renaissance and Mannerism explores the stylistic evolution of European art during the later sixteenth century, focusing on the transition from the balanced clarity of the High Renaissance to the more expressive and complex aesthetics of Mannerism. Central to this shift is Michelangelo, whose work bridges the two periods and exemplifies the growing emphasis on emotional intensity, elongated forms, and intellectual sophistication. Murray examines how artists like Pontormo, Parmigianino, and Bronzino embraced distortion, ambiguity, and theatricality, challenging classical norms and reflecting the cultural tensions of the time. The book also considers architectural innovations and the influence of political and religious upheavals, offering a richly contextualized view of how art responded to and shaped the changing world. Through detailed analysis and vivid examples, Murray presents Mannerism not as a decline from Renaissance ideals, but as a bold reimagining of artistic expression.