Pontormo and the Art of Devotion in Renaissance Italy

A novel interpretation of Pontormo's Renaissance devotional art reveals his deliberate use of stylistic innovation to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually, challenging conventional views that attribute his work to mere aesthetic experimentation or personal anxiety. Jessica Maratsos argues that Pontormo's paintings, such as those found in the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, were crafted to serve specific devotional purposes by incorporating modes of expression—direct address, tactile evocation, and affective incitement—inspired by contemporary religious practices, including sacri monti, Michelangelo’s sculptures, and evangelical lectures. This study shifts the focus from artistic individualism to the broader cultural and spiritual context, prompting a critical rethinking of how Renaissance artists integrated tradition with innovation in sacred art.

Maratsos, J. A. (2021). Pontormo and the Art of Devotion in Renaissance Italy. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009037952