Which artwork serves as a key symbol of Mannerism, characterized by its elongated figures?

The work "Madonna with the Long Neck" by Parmigianino epitomizes the Mannerist style, particularly through its distinctive use of elongated figures. Mannerism emerged in the late Renaissance as artists began to emphasize artificiality and elegance rather than the balanced proportions and naturalism characteristic of High Renaissance art. Parmigianino's depiction of the Virgin Mary features an exaggeratedly long neck, which creates a striking visual impact and conveys both elegance and a sense of otherworldliness. This elongation of forms is emblematic of the Mannerist fascination with beauty that transcends naturalistic constraints, allowing for a more expressive and emotive style.

In contrast, "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli is representative of the Early Renaissance, focusing on proportion and harmony, while "The Assumption of the Virgin" by Titian embodies the Baroque ideals of dynamic composition and rich color rather than the elongated figures of Mannerism. "The Last Judgement" by Michelangelo, although it contains some Mannerist elements, primarily represents the High Renaissance's grandeur and is marked by more muscular forms rather than the stylized elongation seen in Parmigianino's work. Thus, the choice of "Madonna with the