CLEP Western Civ I

Answer: B - Mannerism, a movement that began during the end of the Renaissance (and included some Renaissance artists, like Michelangelo), was characterized by active, elongated figures in movement, distortion, rich colors, crowded scenes, and a general lack of realism. In contrast, Renaissance and Baroque art were known for their faithful realism, particularly to the human figure and face. Mannerist figures often appeared to be melting or stretched. There was emphasis on limbs, which often extended upward in twisted poses. Scenes often depicted many human figures together, individually and collectively twisted in a fashion that left most works without a focal point. Some of Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel are a good example of the Mannerist style (with which he experimented late in his career)- scenes in his later frescoes are filled with so many human figures in movement, each depicted in an elaborate, contorted pose, that it is impossible to focus on one point in the scene.