Agnolo Bronzino
The Deposition
c. 1545-50
Mannerist characteristics
- elegant conception
- strangely inexpressive and detached
- agitated composition, full of incidents
- but, little sense of dramatic unity
- figures elongated and have energetic, angular postures
- arranged to create a decorative pattern
- no strong emotions
- shallow space
- forms tend to adhere to the vertical plane
- removes the event from the realm of flesh and blood
- Mannerist refinement and artifice prevail over nature and feeling
Peter Paul Rubens
Descent from the Cross
1611-12
Baroque characteristics
- grandeur of conception
- power of feeling
- both conception and feeling unite to produce an air of epic tragedy
- actions of figures are natural and appropriate
- grief and horror of those closest to Christ
- physical strain and effort of those lowering dead body
- night scene [evening?]
- but group around cross illumined by a supernatural light
- contrasting colours
- livid, bloodless colour of Christ's body
- vivid red of St. John's mantle
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