Leidy Campo

Mina Majstorovic

Virtual field trip essay

12/8/2016

Alba Madonna and Madonna with the long neck

Each Art period has specific characteristics that distinguishes one from another, it is

important to bear in mind that they are also a response and an are influenced by the previous

period. Therefore, I have chosen to compare a painting from the High Renaissance and from

the Mannerism period. Alba Madonna (1510) by Raphael located in the National Gallery of

Washington DC and Madonna with the long neck (1530-3) by Parmigianino located in Uffizi

Gallery Italy, are two paintings that are depicting the Virgin Mary as the focus. However, the

styles, technique, color and even the composition of these two paintings are quite different.

Therefore, comparing these two pieces allows us to understand the perspective and

philosophy of the period where it was created. Moreover, it allows understanding towards the

artists intention of their unique style.

 To understand why Alba Madonna is a perfect example of High Renaissance art, one

needs to understand some background about the artist as well. Raphael Sanzio was an Italian

painter and architect who was influenced by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Perugino.

During the High Renaissance, painters were interested and fascinated by Naturalism

philosophy. Thus, many artists were primarily focused on representing balance, harmony and

divinity through the idea of beauty and through graceful position of the figure, in which the

qualities are represented in Alba Madonna. For instance, one can see immediately the great

amount of details that were rendered carefully such as the hair of the three figures, the folds

of the clothing and the background. Moreover, to portray harmony through the painting,

Raphael positioned the figures together in a triangular composition. Thus, this painting

intended to illustrate a serious moment where baby Jesus has accepted his faith.

On the other hand, Madonna with the long neck is part of the Mannerism style since it

is displaying an unusual representation of traditional themes. In this case the human figures

and their features are exaggerated and their composition are rather ambiguous. There is also

an unusual effect of scales and perspectives. Additionally, one can see that there is an interest
for palettes with vivid colors. These are all characteristic of Mannerism period since it

represented a more artificial way of art. Thus, Mannerism was a response against classical

and high renaissance style because it didnt intend to represent nature. Furthermore, even

though Parmigianino was influenced by Michelangelo and Raphael, he consciously elongated

some part of the body to make it even more elegant and sophisticated. Per scholars,

Parmigiano's intention to enlarge the Neck of Madonna is not a mere decoration, but a

symbol from a smile in medieval hymns.

Although both paintings are depicting baby Jesus sitting in Madonnas lap, they were

approached very differently. For instance, while Alba Madonna was painted in a circular

shape, one can see the artists intent to display a balanced composition creating a triangular

shape with the three figures. The figures and the objects are well detailed and are keeping the

right proportions despite looking like monumental statues due to the atmospheric perspective

of the background. However, in Madonna with the long Neck the proportions are

intentionally extreme and more dynamical. Another main difference about these two

paintings is that mannerist painters did not focus on proportion, but in depicting an artificial

beauty of the divine figure. In this case, while in the first painting Madonna is portrayed in a

humble manner, in Parmigianinos Madonna she is painted more as a figure that could be part

of the aristocracy.

In addition, Raphael painted Virgin Mary, Young Christ, and Saint John in a gentle

scene and their expressions are rather soft. However, in Parmigianino painting, Christs body

is dramatically positioned lying down in Marys lap, his shoulder is almost dislocated and his

expression is more enigmatic than calm. Also, it is important to point out the huge difference

in backgrounds of these two paintings. For example, in Alba Madonna, the atmosphere

perspective is well proportioned and natural. However, in Madonna with the long Neck, the
background is cryptic, obscure and portrays a figure that is too small compared to how big

Madonna is and how far the figure is situated.

The study of these paintings made me realize how strongly artist were influenced by

religion. Thus, many paintings are depicting classical and divinity figures. This also reflects

that art is always changing and being shaped by their culture and the beginning of new

beliefs. As an artist, analyzing and carefully understanding the art periods has an impact in

my work as well, since it has inspired me to take some characteristics from the past and apply

it to my own art work.

Thus, studying these to works allows me to understand that High renaissance evolved

to a more rebellious period called Mannerism where the rules were pushed to move from the

ideal beauty and perfection to a more stylish and expressive representation. It also opens a

window to the past were one can understand their unique way to represent scenes per their

belief and philosophy. Therefore, comparing and understanding the influence of these

painting allows us to understand how art from one period to another are taken and

transformed to another form of art style.

Work Cited
Harris Beth, Zucker Steven. Parmigianino, Madonna of the Long Neck." Khan Academy. N.p., n.d. Web. 29

Sept. 2016.

Harris Beth, Zucker Steven. "Raphael, Madonna Alba". Academia Khan. N. P., n.d. Web. 29 de de septiembre

de 2016.

Kleiner, Fred S. Gardners Art Through the Ages: The Western Perspective, Fourteenth Edition, Vol II, 2014:

Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 14. Print.

Mazzola, Francesco. Parmigianino (Italian, 1503-1540) (Getty Museum) "The J. Paul Getty in Los

Angeles.

Parmigianino." The National Gallery, London. N. P., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

"Raphael - The Complete Works." Raphael - The Complete Works. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.