This volume presents a visual summary of the complex artistic phenomenon known as Mannerism. From its origins in Florence in the second decade of the sixteenth century in the wake of the great Renaissance tradition, to its gradual establishment in Rome and other Italian and European cities. Marked by a subversion of traditional canons, gaining expression in often bizarre and experimental images, Mannerism was not widespread either internationally or in Italy, where it suffered a setback following new decrees concerning art established by the Council of Trent in 1563. The volume concludes with an index of artists, biographies of leading artists and a map showing the main artistic centres.
