What characteristic is associated with Mannerist artworks?

The characteristic associated with Mannerist artworks is the use of elongated limbs and contrived poses. Mannerism emerged in the late Renaissance as artists began to stretch the conventions of naturalism that had defined earlier periods. This style is marked by a departure from the balanced compositions and realistic proportions typical of High Renaissance art.

Mannerist artists often opted for exaggerated forms and awkward poses, showing figures with disproportionately long limbs and complex, sometimes unnatural, postures. This approach allowed for a greater expression of emotion and drama, giving a sense of tension and dynamism to the artwork. By intentionally distorting anatomical proportions and experimenting with spatial relationships, Mannerist artists sought to evoke a feeling of complexity and sophistication.

The other characteristics, such as emphasis on linear perspective, naturalistic proportions, and the use of traditional color palettes, are more aligned with the earlier Renaissance style rather than the distinct features of Mannerism, which aimed to create art that was more stylized and expressive rather than strictly realistic.