Mannerism is a style that emerged as a reaction to High Renaissance's academicism in the first quarter of 16th century. It started developing on Apennine Peninsula and that was the only place where it reached it's height. Florence was a town of key importance for the development of mannerism. It's cultural environment was suitable for the development of anti-classical style. In the early works of Florentine painter Andrea del Sarto it is possible to see the first differences diverging from Classical thesis. Comparing it with works of High Renaissance's del Sarto's early works show not strict composition, bright colourism and sensibility close to mannerism which expresses itself through discomfort and instability. Even though, through the rest of his working years del Sarto painted in a traditional manner, the progress he made towards mannerism placed him at its beginning. Andrea del Sarto's innovations influenced his pupil Jacopo Pontormo in whose art mannerism reached its peak. Pontormo's style is inconsistent which is a result of his constant seeking for new forms and ideals. However, it is possible to follow the constant progress from early works under del Sarto's influence to works that represent mannerism. Analysing Andrea del Sarto's and Jacopo Pontormo's relation is of key importance for understanding early phase of mannerism. Through paradigmatic relations of two painters it is possible to see the linear development of all elements of art which lead from High Renaissance forms to manneristic expression.