Answer:
The Grand Manner, also known as the Great Style, was an artistic approach that emerged during the late Baroque period in the 18th century. It had a significant influence on artists of the time, especially those working in the fields of painting and portraiture. The Grand Manner was characterized by several key features:
Idealization:
- Artists sought to elevate their subjects to a higher level of dignity and nobility.
- This often involved depicting individuals in a manner that emphasized their virtue, character, and importance, even if it meant idealizing their appearance.
Classical Antiquity:
- The Grand Manner drew inspiration from the art of ancient Greece and Rome. Artists looked to classical models for composition, poses, and the portrayal of drapery.
Historical and Mythological Themes:
- Paintings created in the Grand Manner often featured historical or mythological subjects, reinforcing the idea that the subjects were significant and worthy of admiration.
Monumentality:
- Works in the Grand Manner were often large in scale and included grand, sweeping gestures and dramatic lighting to create a sense of monumentality and gravitas.
Mastery of Technique:
- Artists were expected to demonstrate their technical prowess in the Grand Manner.
- This included mastery of anatomy, perspective, and the use of color and light to create convincing and impactful compositions.
Prominent artists associated with the Grand Manner include Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough in England and Jacques-Louis David in France. These artists produced portraits and historical paintings that adhered to the principles of the Grand Manner, helping to shape the art of their time.
In summary, the Grand Manner of the late Baroque period had a profound influence on artists, encouraging them to create works that conveyed nobility, virtue, and historical or mythological significance while showcasing their technical skills. This style played a role in shaping the art of the 18th century and left a lasting impact on the development of portraiture and historical painting.