7.3 Influence of symbolism and other movements
6 min read•august 19, 2024
emerged as a reaction to Realism and Impressionism, seeking to evoke emotions through symbols rather than direct representation. Artists like Moreau and Redon created dreamlike paintings exploring mythological and spiritual themes, emphasizing subjectivity and imagination over objective reality.
Symbolism's influence extended to Post-Impressionism, inspiring Gauguin's enigmatic works and the Nabis group. Its emphasis on inner vision and psychological depth also laid groundwork for later movements like , , and , shaping the course of modern art.
Symbolism origins and key figures
- Symbolism emerged in late 19th century France as a literary and artistic movement that sought to evoke emotions and ideas through symbols and suggestion rather than direct representation
- Key figures included poets , , and who experimented with the expressive potential of language to convey inner states of being
- Visual artists like , , and translated Symbolist ideas into enigmatic and dreamlike paintings that explored mythological, spiritual, and psychological themes
Symbolist philosophy and aesthetics
Rejection of realism and naturalism
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- Symbolists reacted against the prevailing artistic movements of realism and naturalism which aimed to objectively depict the external world
- They felt these approaches were too limited and failed to capture the deeper truths and mysteries of existence
- Instead, Symbolists turned inward, valuing subjectivity, imagination, and intuition as means to access profound insights and emotional states
Emphasis on subjectivity and imagination
- Symbolist artists privileged the power of the individual imagination to transform reality and reveal hidden meanings
- They sought to express their personal visions and inner experiences rather than simply record outward appearances
- Symbolist works often depicted fantastical, mythical, or dream-like scenes that sprang from the artist's subjective perceptions and emotions
Mystical and spiritual themes
- Many Symbolists were drawn to mystical, occult, and spiritual ideas as a way to explore the intangible and transcendent aspects of life
- They incorporated esoteric symbols, allegorical figures, and religious iconography to evoke a sense of mystery and suggest higher planes of existence (Rose+Cross)
- Symbolist art frequently depicted meditative or ecstatic states, alluding to the artist's quest for enlightenment or communion with the divine
Symbolist techniques and innovations
Flattened forms and muted colors
- Symbolist painters often employed stylized, simplified forms that rejected the illusion of three-dimensional space
- They flattened the picture plane and used non-naturalistic colors to create a sense of unreality or otherworldliness
- Muted, monochromatic palettes evoked pensive or introspective moods that matched the works' enigmatic subject matter
Decorative patterns and rhythms
- Symbolists incorporated ornamental motifs, arabesques, and repeating patterns into their compositions
- These decorative elements created mesmerizing visual that drew the viewer into the work's symbolic world
- The emphasis on flat, patterned surfaces also connected Symbolism to the emerging Art Nouveau style
Evocative and enigmatic symbols
- Symbolist works are filled with mysterious and highly personal symbols that hint at deeper meanings without explicitly stating them
- Common motifs include androgynous figures, mythical beasts, celestial bodies, and objects from nature (mirrors, flowers) that serve as metaphors for inner states
- The symbols remain ambiguous and open to interpretation, inviting the viewer to decipher their significance based on their own experiences and emotions
Symbolism's impact on Post-Impressionism
Gauguin's Symbolist period
- 's works from the late 1880s onward show a strong Symbolist influence in their use of simplified forms, expressive colors, and mysterious iconography
- During his stays in Brittany and Tahiti, Gauguin sought to convey spiritual and primitive truths through his paintings of the local people and landscapes
- Works like Vision After the Sermon and Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? exemplify Gauguin's Symbolist approach with their flattened perspectives, rhythmic compositions, and cryptic symbolism
Influence on Synthetism and Cloisonnism
- Gauguin played a key role in the development of , a Post-Impressionist style that combined Symbolist subject matter with formal innovations
- Synthetist works featured flat areas of color, simplified shapes, and decorative patterning to create harmonious, synthesized compositions (The Yellow Christ)
- , pioneered by Émile Bernard and Louis Anquetin, pushed this aesthetic further with its use of bold outlines that resembled Medieval cloisonné enameling
Inspiration for Nabis and Pont-Aven School
- The Nabis were a group of Post-Impressionist artists heavily influenced by Gauguin's Symbolist works from his Brittany period
- Led by Paul Sérusier, Maurice Denis, and Pierre Bonnard, the Nabis adopted a Symbolist worldview and sought to express ideas through simplified forms and pure colors
- The Pont-Aven School, centered around Gauguin and Bernard in the Breton village of Pont-Aven, became a hotbed for Symbolist and Synthetist experimentation in the late 1880s and early 1890s
Neo-Impressionism and Symbolism overlap
Seurat's Symbolist tendencies
- Georges Seurat, the pioneer of and Pointillism, incorporated Symbolist elements into his later works
- Seurat's monumental compositions like A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte and The Circus feature hieratic figures, flattened spaces, and an overall sense of mystery and detachment
- These paintings transcend pure optical experiments and suggest a deeper symbolic significance in their frozen, timeless quality
Signac's decorative Symbolist works
- Paul Signac, Seurat's friend and fellow Neo-Impressionist, also explored Symbolist themes and aesthetics in his paintings
- Signac's pointillist works often depicted dreamlike landscapes and seascapes with a strong decorative quality (The Bonaventure Pine)
- He shared the Symbolists' interest in evoking moods and emotions through color harmonies and rhythmic compositions
Symbolist subject matter in Pointillism
- Many Neo-Impressionist artists incorporated Symbolist subject matter into their pointillist works
- Henri-Edmond Cross's paintings feature mythical figures, allegorical scenes, and idealized landscapes that reflect Symbolist sensibilities (The Evening Air)
- Théo van Rysselberghe's pointillist portraits and seascapes often convey a sense of introspection and mystery akin to Symbolist art
Symbolism vs Impressionism
Rejection of Impressionist focus on light
- While Impressionists sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, Symbolists rejected this focus on the ephemeral and superficial
- Symbolist artists were more concerned with evoking timeless truths, emotions, and ideas than recording passing optical sensations
- They often depicted scenes lit by unnatural or mysterious light sources that conveyed a sense of otherworldliness or inner illumination
Emphasis on inner vision vs external reality
- Symbolists prioritized the artist's inner vision and imagination over the objective observation of external reality
- They believed that art should express the artist's subjective experiences, dreams, and fantasies rather than simply mirror the visible world
- Symbolist works are highly personal and idiosyncratic, reflecting the individual artist's unique perspective and emotional state
Psychological depth vs fleeting sensations
- Symbolist art aims to explore the depths of the human psyche and the mysteries of the soul
- Symbolists sought to convey complex emotions, spiritual longings, and existential questions through their enigmatic and evocative imagery
- In contrast, Impressionist works often focused on capturing the momentary play of light and color on surfaces, emphasizing sensory pleasure over psychological depth
Other movements influenced by Symbolism
Art Nouveau decorative style
- The Art Nouveau movement, which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, drew heavily on Symbolist aesthetics and themes
- Art Nouveau works feature sinuous lines, organic forms, and that echo the stylized shapes and rhythms of Symbolist art (Alphonse Mucha posters)
- Many Art Nouveau artists shared the Symbolists' interest in evoking moods, suggesting hidden meanings, and creating immersive, dreamlike environments
Expressionism's emotional intensity
- Symbolism's emphasis on and inner states paved the way for the emergence of Expressionism in the early 20th century
- Expressionist artists sought to convey raw, intense emotions through distorted forms, vivid colors, and energetic brushwork
- Like the Symbolists, Expressionists rejected objective reality in favor of a highly personal, psychologically charged vision (Edvard Munch's The Scream)
Surrealism's dream-like imagery
- The Surrealist movement, which began in the 1920s, drew inspiration from Symbolism's exploration of dreams, fantasies, and the irrational
- Surrealist works often feature bizarre, illogical juxtapositions and dream-like imagery that tap into the unconscious mind (Salvador Dalí's The Persistence of Memory)
- Like the Symbolists, Surrealists sought to reveal hidden truths and challenge conventional notions of reality through their enigmatic and provocative art
Key Terms to Review (33)
Aestheticism: Aestheticism is a late 19th-century cultural movement that emphasizes the importance of beauty and sensory experiences over moral or social themes in art and literature. This movement promotes the idea that art should exist for its own sake, prioritizing aesthetics rather than serving a utilitarian purpose or conveying a message. By focusing on beauty, aestheticism encouraged a broader exploration of personal expression and emotional depth, which influenced leisure activities and resonated with movements like symbolism.
Art nouveau: Art Nouveau is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its use of organic forms, flowing lines, and intricate decorative motifs inspired by nature. This movement significantly impacted various aspects of design and aesthetics, leading to a fusion of fine arts with applied arts and influencing fashion, architecture, and visual culture.
Arthur Rimbaud: Arthur Rimbaud was a French poet known for his profound influence on modern literature, particularly in the realms of symbolism and modernism. His innovative style and rebellious spirit challenged traditional forms of poetry, making him a key figure in the transition from Romanticism to more experimental movements. Rimbaud's work, characterized by vivid imagery and emotional intensity, left a lasting impact not only on poetry but also on various cultural expressions in popular culture.
Chiaroscuro: Chiaroscuro is a technique used in visual arts that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create the illusion of volume and three-dimensionality. This method enhances the dramatic effect of a composition by guiding the viewer's eye and emphasizing specific elements, making it essential for artists aiming to capture realistic effects and emotional depth in their work.
Cloisonnism: Cloisonnism is an artistic technique characterized by bold, flat areas of color separated by dark outlines, resembling the craftsmanship of cloisonné enamel. This style emerged as a response to Impressionism and aimed to convey more structure and clarity in painting, often depicting themes from everyday life and drawing influence from Symbolism and other movements.
Decorative patterns: Decorative patterns are visual designs that embellish a surface, often used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of art and architecture. These patterns can be repetitive or varied, incorporating elements like geometric shapes, floral motifs, or symbolic imagery to convey meaning or beauty. In the context of artistic movements, these patterns reflect deeper themes and ideologies, often influenced by cultural symbols or stylistic innovations.
Emotion in art: Emotion in art refers to the expression and evocation of feelings through artistic works, where artists use visual elements, color, and form to convey deep emotional experiences. This concept is crucial as it allows both artists and viewers to connect on a personal level, enabling art to communicate complex feelings and ideas that words often cannot express. Understanding how emotion influences art helps to appreciate the cultural and psychological contexts behind different movements and artists.
Evocative symbols: Evocative symbols are visual elements in art that convey deeper meanings or emotions, often representing abstract ideas or concepts beyond their literal appearance. These symbols invite viewers to engage with the artwork on a personal level, prompting reflection and interpretation that go beyond mere observation. In various movements, especially in symbolism and post-impressionism, artists employed evocative symbols to express their inner thoughts and feelings, creating a connection between the viewer and the artwork.
Exploration of modernity: The exploration of modernity refers to the artistic and cultural investigation of the new ideas, technologies, and social changes that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exploration sought to capture the essence of contemporary life, including the effects of industrialization, urbanization, and shifting social dynamics, often leading artists to experiment with form and subject matter in innovative ways.
Expressionism: Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the use of vivid colors, exaggerated forms, and emotional intensity to convey the artist's subjective experience rather than a realistic representation of the world. This movement sought to express inner feelings and emotions, often reflecting the turmoil and anxiety of the times, which connects deeply with various artistic influences and subsequent developments.
Flattened forms: Flattened forms refer to a stylistic approach in visual art where three-dimensional objects or figures are represented with minimal depth and perspective, often appearing two-dimensional. This technique emphasizes color, shape, and pattern over realistic representation, aligning closely with the aesthetics of both symbolism and other artistic movements that sought to break away from traditional representational styles.
Gustave Moreau: Gustave Moreau was a French painter associated with the Symbolist movement, known for his dreamy, mystical imagery that often featured mythological and literary themes. His work emphasized the exploration of emotion and imagination over realism, influencing later art movements and contributing significantly to the evolution of modern art.
Henri Toulouse-Lautrec: Henri Toulouse-Lautrec was a French painter, printmaker, and illustrator known for his vibrant depictions of Parisian nightlife during the late 19th century. His unique style blends elements of Impressionism with bold colors and graphic design influences, making him a significant figure in the art world and a precursor to modern poster art.
Imagism: Imagism is a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on the clear and precise presentation of images and sensory experiences in poetry. It sought to break away from traditional forms and sentiments, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and the use of everyday language to convey vivid imagery. This movement was significantly influenced by symbolism and other contemporary art movements, which valued emotional depth and representation.
Impasto: Impasto is a painting technique where thick layers of paint are applied to the canvas, creating a textured surface that can enhance the visual impact of the artwork. This method allows for bold brushstrokes and adds a three-dimensional quality to the painting, often contributing to the overall emotional expression and movement in the work. Artists using impasto can achieve dynamic contrasts between light and shadow, bringing their subjects to life in unique ways.
Les nabis: Les nabis were a group of post-Impressionist artists in the late 19th century who sought to break away from traditional representation, focusing on symbolism and decorative aspects in their work. They were known for their interest in everyday life, often portraying intimate and personal themes, while also drawing from influences of Symbolism and other artistic movements to explore deeper meanings in their art.
Muted colors: Muted colors are tones that are less vibrant or saturated than their pure counterparts, often resulting in a softer, more subdued appearance. These colors can convey a sense of calmness and introspection, making them a favored choice in various artistic movements, particularly in the context of Symbolism and Post-Impressionism, where emotional depth and subtlety are emphasized.
Neo-impressionism: Neo-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the systematic use of color and light through a technique called pointillism, which involves applying small dots of pure color to create an optical blend when viewed from a distance. This approach aimed to enhance the emotional and visual experience of artworks while addressing some of the limitations found in Impressionism.
Odilon Redon: Odilon Redon was a French painter, printmaker, and pastelist known for his unique contributions to Symbolism and Post-Impressionism. His artwork often features dreamlike and fantastical imagery, focusing on themes of imagination and spirituality. Redon's style is characterized by a use of vibrant colors, ethereal forms, and an exploration of the subconscious, which align with the ideals of Symbolism and reflect a broader reaction against the naturalism prevalent in Impressionism.
Paul Gauguin: Paul Gauguin was a French post-Impressionist artist known for his bold use of color and innovative artistic techniques, which greatly influenced modern art. His works often explored themes of spirituality and symbolism, and he was pivotal in the development of movements like Cloisonnism and Synthetism, impacting the way art was perceived and created.
Paul Verlaine: Paul Verlaine was a French poet associated with the Symbolist movement, known for his innovative use of rhythm and sound in poetry, which emphasized emotion over explicit meaning. He played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the late 19th century, influencing both the Symbolists and the later modernist movements. His works often explored themes of love, melancholy, and the fleeting nature of beauty, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from Romanticism to modern poetry.
Pierre Puvis de Chavannes: Pierre Puvis de Chavannes was a French painter known for his large-scale mural works and a unique style that blended elements of realism with symbolism. His work often featured allegorical themes and serene compositions, making him a significant figure in the transition between realism and symbolism in the art world.
Plein air painting: Plein air painting is the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or subject in front of the artist, rather than in a studio. This approach allows artists to capture the natural light and atmosphere of their surroundings, leading to spontaneous and dynamic compositions.
Response to Industrialization: Response to industrialization refers to the various artistic and cultural movements that emerged as reactions to the rapid changes brought about by industrialization during the 19th century. This response often highlighted the disconnection between nature and urban life, fostering new artistic expressions that emphasized personal experience and emotional depth, particularly in movements like Symbolism, which sought to convey deeper meanings beyond mere representation.
Rhythms: Rhythms in the context of art refer to the recurring patterns, movements, and flows within a composition that guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of harmony. These rhythms can be visual, such as the repetition of shapes or colors, or emotional, evoking feelings through the arrangement of elements. Understanding rhythms helps to appreciate how artists convey movement and emotion, influencing how we interpret their work.
Salon des refusés: The salon des refusés was an exhibition held in Paris in 1863 to showcase artworks that had been rejected from the official Salon, the annual art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. This event became a pivotal moment for artists who challenged traditional artistic standards and conventions, allowing them to gain visibility and recognition.
Stéphane Mallarmé: Stéphane Mallarmé was a French poet and a key figure in the Symbolist movement, known for his innovative use of language and his emphasis on the musicality of poetry. His works sought to evoke emotions and ideas rather than directly describe them, aligning with the broader Symbolist idea that art should represent rather than imitate reality.
Subjective experience: Subjective experience refers to the personal perception and interpretation of one's emotions, thoughts, and sensations. This concept emphasizes that each individual’s understanding of reality is influenced by their own feelings and unique perspectives, making it a critical aspect in various art movements that prioritize individual emotional responses over objective representations.
Surrealism: Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on unleashing the creative potential of the unconscious mind. It sought to challenge conventional perceptions of reality by incorporating dream-like scenes and bizarre imagery, often blending fantasy with reality. This movement was influenced by earlier styles such as Symbolism, and its aesthetic can be linked to Synthetism, which emphasized the expression of emotional experiences through the synthesis of forms and colors.
Symbolism: Symbolism is an artistic movement that emphasizes the use of symbols to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences rather than direct representation. This approach allows artists to challenge conventional norms and express deeper meanings through imagery, colors, and forms, paving the way for more personal and subjective interpretations of art.
Symbolist poetry: Symbolist poetry is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of symbolic language to evoke emotions and ideas rather than to convey straightforward narratives. This style often emphasizes suggestion over direct description, allowing poets to express complex themes through imagery and metaphor, making it influential in shaping modernist literature and various art movements.
Synthetism: Synthetism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of bold colors and simplified forms to express emotional and spiritual ideas rather than realistic representations. This approach often involved synthesizing various elements such as color, form, and symbolism to convey deeper meanings, diverging from the naturalistic tendencies of earlier movements.
The art for art's sake movement: The art for art's sake movement is an aesthetic philosophy that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating that art should exist independently of any moral, political, or utilitarian function. This movement emphasized the intrinsic value of art and its pursuit for beauty as an end in itself, challenging the conventional notions that art must serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. It played a crucial role in shaping modernist thought and influenced various artistic movements, including symbolism and post-impressionism.