8.1 Defining characteristics and principles of Symbolism
5 min read•august 13, 2024
emerged as a reaction against realism, embracing emotion and imagination. Artists sought to express deep truths through symbolic imagery, rejecting literal representation. They drew inspiration from Romanticism, philosophy, and the occult.
Symbolists used color, form, and dreamlike scenes to evoke moods and explore the psyche. They blurred lines between art forms, tackling themes like love and death. This movement paved the way for modernist art and abstraction.
Influences on Symbolism
Romanticism and Enlightenment Critique
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- The Symbolist movement was influenced by Romanticism's emphasis on emotion, imagination, and individualism
- Symbolists rejected the rationalism and materialism of the Enlightenment, embracing a more intuitive and expressive approach to art
Philosophical and Literary Inspirations
- Symbolists were inspired by the philosophical ideas of , who believed that the world was driven by a blind and irrational force
- Schopenhauer argued that art could provide a means of transcending the suffering of existence, an idea that resonated with Symbolist artists
- The literary works of , particularly his concept of "correspondences," were influential to the Symbolist movement
- Baudelaire's "correspondences" held that there were mystical connections between the physical and spiritual worlds that could be revealed through art
Synesthesia and the Occult
- Symbolists were drawn to the idea of , the mixing of sensory experiences (sound and color)
- They sought to create works that evoked multiple senses simultaneously, blurring the lines between different art forms
- The Symbolist movement was shaped by a fascination with the occult, , and esoteric traditions (, )
- These esoteric traditions provided a rich source of symbolic imagery and themes for Symbolist artists to draw upon
Defining Symbolism
Symbolic Imagery and Subjectivity
- Symbolist art sought to express ideas, emotions, and states of mind through the use of symbolic imagery, rather than through direct representation or narrative
- Symbolists rejected the naturalism and realism of academic art in favor of a more subjective, imaginative, and expressive approach
- Symbolist works often featured dreamlike, mysterious, or enigmatic imagery that was open to multiple interpretations ('s "The Eye, Like a Strange Balloon, Mounts Toward Infinity")
Formal Elements and Synthesis of Arts
- Symbolists used color, line, and form to create a sense of mood, atmosphere, and psychological depth, rather than to accurately depict the physical world
- They experimented with non-naturalistic colors, flattened forms, and decorative elements to create visually innovative works ('s "The Kiss")
- Symbolists believed that art should be a synthesis of various art forms, including poetry, music, and visual art
- They sought to create works that transcended the boundaries between these disciplines, creating a total work of art or "Gesamtkunstwerk"
Themes and the Inner Psyche
- Symbolist art often explored themes of love, death, sin, redemption, and the inner world of the psyche
- These themes were seen as universal human experiences that could be expressed through symbolic imagery and allusion
- Symbolists were interested in mind and the workings of the psyche, anticipating the later development of Surrealism ('s "The Scream")
Symbolism vs Tradition
Rejection of Academic Conventions
- Symbolism rejected the academic emphasis on technical skill, historical accuracy, and literal representation
- Instead, Symbolists favored a more intuitive, expressive, and imaginative approach to art-making
- They challenged the notion that art should serve a moral or didactic purpose, believing that art should be a means of personal expression and spiritual exploration
Unconventional Subject Matter and Techniques
- Symbolist art often featured unconventional or ambiguous subject matter that challenged traditional notions of beauty, morality, and social norms
- They explored taboo or provocative themes, such as eroticism, decadence, and the macabre (' "Pornokratès")
- Symbolists experimented with new techniques and materials, such as using non-naturalistic colors, flattening forms, and incorporating decorative elements
- These innovations were aimed at creating works that were visually and conceptually distinct from the academic art of the time
Shift Towards Intimacy and Introspection
- Symbolism represented a shift away from the public, monumental, and nationalistic art of the 19th century
- Instead, Symbolists embraced a more intimate, introspective, and cosmopolitan vision of art
- They often created small-scale works intended for private contemplation rather than public display ('s "I Lock the Door Upon Myself")
- This shift towards interiority and paved the way for the development of modernist art in the early 20th century
Subjectivity in Symbolism
The Inner World of the Psyche
- Symbolist artists believed that art should express the inner world of the artist's psyche, rather than simply depicting the external world
- They sought to create works that gave form to their innermost thoughts, feelings, and fantasies
- Symbolists often drew inspiration from dreams, visions, and altered states of consciousness ('s "The Dream")
- They aimed to evoke a sense of the uncanny or the supernatural, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination
Imagination and Transcendence
- Symbolists valued the imagination as a means of accessing deeper truths and revealing the mysteries of the universe
- They believed that the imagination could transcend the limitations of rational thought and empirical observation
- For Symbolists, art served as a vehicle for spiritual and metaphysical exploration, a means of transcending the material world
- They sought to create works that would elevate the viewer's consciousness and evoke a sense of the sublime (Odilon Redon's "The Cyclops")
Spirituality and the Occult
- Symbolist art often explored spiritual and metaphysical themes, such as the of the soul, the afterlife, and the divine
- Some Symbolists were influenced by occult and esoteric traditions, such as Rosicrucianism and Theosophy
- They incorporated mystical symbols and imagery into their work, drawing upon a rich tradition of spiritual and allegorical art ('s "The Treasures of Satan")
- The Symbolist emphasis on challenged the positivist and materialist worldview of the late 19th century
- It paved the way for the development of abstract and non-representational art in the early 20th century, which sought to express spiritual and transcendental ideas through pure form and color (Wassily Kandinsky's "Composition VII")
Key Terms to Review (27)
Allegory: Allegory is a narrative or artistic device that conveys deeper meanings through symbolic figures, actions, or events, representing abstract ideas and principles. In the context of art, allegories often serve to express complex themes, such as morality, politics, and human experience, allowing artists to communicate messages beyond the literal interpretation of their works. This technique is particularly significant in movements like Symbolism, where it intertwines with the use of symbols, mythology, and the representation of women, to create layers of meaning that invite deeper contemplation.
Art Nouveau: Art Nouveau is a decorative art movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by its organic forms, flowing lines, and intricate patterns inspired by nature. This movement sought to break away from historical styles, embracing modernity and integrating artistic disciplines such as architecture, graphic design, and interior design into a unified aesthetic. The influence of industrialization and technological advancements played a crucial role in shaping the visual language of Art Nouveau, as did the fascination with Japanese art and aesthetics.
Arthur Schopenhauer: Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher known for his pessimistic philosophy and his idea that human desire is the source of suffering. His thoughts on the nature of existence and the role of art greatly influenced the Symbolist movement, as he proposed that art serves as a means to escape the relentless cycle of desire and suffering, connecting deeply with the emotional and spiritual exploration found in Symbolism.
Charles Baudelaire: Charles Baudelaire was a French poet, essayist, and art critic, best known for his influential collection of poems titled 'Les Fleurs du mal' ('The Flowers of Evil'). His work laid the foundation for modern literary and artistic movements, addressing themes such as beauty, decay, and the complexities of urban life, which resonate deeply in both 19th-century art and Symbolism.
Dream imagery: Dream imagery refers to the visual and sensory experiences that occur during dreams, often characterized by surreal and fantastical elements. In the context of Symbolism, dream imagery serves as a tool for artists to convey emotions and explore the subconscious, reflecting the movement's emphasis on personal experience and inner vision.
Edvard Munch: Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter and printmaker, best known for his contributions to Symbolism and Expressionism. His work often explored themes of anxiety, love, and death, employing vivid colors and emotive figures to convey deep psychological states. Munch's most iconic painting, 'The Scream,' exemplifies the emotional intensity and existential angst that characterize his artistic style.
Félicien Rops: Félicien Rops was a Belgian artist known for his provocative and often controversial works that exemplified the Symbolist movement. His art merged eroticism, fantasy, and dark themes, reflecting the anxieties and complexities of the human psyche during the late 19th century. Rops’ unique style and themes contributed significantly to the development of Symbolism, showcasing a blend of personal emotion and broader societal concerns.
Fernand Khnopff: Fernand Khnopff was a Belgian Symbolist painter and a significant figure in the late 19th century art movement known for its emphasis on emotional experience and subjective interpretation. His work often combined dreamlike imagery and an exploration of themes such as introspection, identity, and the subconscious, reflecting the key characteristics of Symbolism, which sought to convey deeper meanings beyond mere representation.
Gustav Klimt: Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter known for his distinct style that combines ornamental patterns, gold leaf, and a focus on the female form. His works are deeply rooted in Symbolism and Art Nouveau, often exploring themes of love, sexuality, and femininity, making him a pivotal figure in the art world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Gustave Moreau: Gustave Moreau was a French Symbolist painter known for his imaginative, mythological themes and intricate, highly detailed works that often explored the relationship between reality and dreams. His art emerged during the 19th century, a period characterized by a shift towards more subjective and symbolic forms of expression, which connected deeply with the Symbolist movement's principles and emphasis on emotion, mysticism, and the subconscious.
Henri Rousseau: Henri Rousseau was a French painter known for his unique and imaginative works that exemplify the Symbolist movement. His paintings often feature lush jungles, dreamlike scenes, and a childlike sense of wonder, all conveying deeper emotional and symbolic meanings that align closely with the principles of Symbolism, which emphasize the expression of inner feelings and ideas rather than mere representation of reality.
Jean Delville: Jean Delville was a Belgian Symbolist painter known for his ethereal and dreamlike works that often depicted mystical themes and spiritual symbolism. His art embodies the defining characteristics of Symbolism, particularly the focus on conveying deeper emotional and philosophical meanings through visual imagery rather than realistic representation. Delville's paintings often emphasize the use of color, light, and compositional harmony to create an otherworldly atmosphere, reflecting the Symbolist movement's quest to express the unseen realities of the human experience.
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes an implicit comparison between two unrelated things, suggesting that one thing is another to highlight similarities. This form of expression invites deeper understanding and emotional resonance by connecting ideas and experiences in unexpected ways, often embodying complex meanings. In art, metaphors can convey abstract concepts and emotions, enhancing the viewer's engagement and interpretation.
Mysticism: Mysticism refers to a spiritual practice aimed at achieving a direct experience of the divine or ultimate reality, often characterized by deep contemplation, intuition, and transcendent experiences. This approach transcends rational thought and material understanding, emphasizing the importance of personal insight and inner knowledge. In the context of Symbolism, mysticism plays a crucial role in conveying deeper meanings and emotions through symbolic imagery, as artists sought to express the ineffable and connect with the unseen aspects of existence.
Nature: Nature refers to the physical world and its phenomena, often embodying beauty, inspiration, and emotion in art. Throughout various artistic movements, it has served as a source of reflection and exploration of human emotion, individuality, and spirituality, bridging the gap between the internal human experience and the external environment.
Odilon Redon: Odilon Redon was a French painter and printmaker known for his dreamlike, imaginative works that are often associated with the Symbolist movement. His art is characterized by the use of color, mysterious subject matter, and an exploration of the subconscious, making him a significant figure in the 19th century art world, particularly within the Symbolism movement.
Post-Impressionism: Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the naturalism of Impressionism, focusing on more symbolic content, emotional expression, and the use of vivid colors. It sought to move beyond the fleeting impressions of light and color emphasized by Impressionists, introducing a deeper exploration of form and structure.
Rosicrucianism: Rosicrucianism is a spiritual and cultural movement that emerged in the early 17th century, characterized by its mystical philosophies, esoteric knowledge, and a belief in the possibility of personal transformation through inner wisdom. This movement sought to unify science, religion, and art under a shared quest for truth and enlightenment, influencing various aspects of Symbolism and its focus on deeper meanings and spiritual realities.
Salon de la rose + croix: The salon de la rose + croix was an influential exhibition space and gathering for artists associated with the Symbolist movement in France during the late 19th century. It served as a platform for artists to showcase their work, emphasizing themes of spirituality, mysticism, and personal symbolism, while challenging conventional artistic norms.
Spirituality: Spirituality refers to the search for meaning and connection beyond the physical world, often emphasizing personal growth and a deeper understanding of existence. In the context of Symbolism, spirituality is expressed through art that seeks to evoke emotional and metaphysical responses, moving away from mere representation towards conveying the ineffable aspects of human experience.
Stéphane Mallarmé: Stéphane Mallarmé was a French poet and a pivotal figure in the Symbolist movement, known for his complex and often elusive poetry that sought to evoke emotions and ideas through suggestion rather than explicit statements. His work emphasized the importance of rhythm, sound, and the interplay of words, aligning with the Symbolist principle of representing the intangible through artistic expression.
Subjectivity: Subjectivity refers to the personal perspective, feelings, and opinions that shape an individual's interpretation of experiences and reality. This concept emphasizes the importance of individual perception in understanding art and literature, highlighting how personal emotions and experiences can influence creative expression. In both Impressionism and Symbolism, subjectivity plays a crucial role as artists focus on their own experiences and interpretations rather than strictly representing external reality.
Symbolism: Symbolism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the use of symbols to express ideas and emotions beyond the literal representation. It focuses on the inner experience and subjective feelings, often reflecting personal and spiritual themes, which connects deeply to the artistic explorations of this period.
Symbolist manifesto: The symbolist manifesto is a foundational text for the Symbolist movement in the late 19th century, emphasizing the importance of suggesting emotions and ideas through symbolic imagery rather than direct representation. It advocates for art as a means of expressing the deeper truths of human experience, often focusing on themes of dreams, mysticism, and individual perception.
Synesthesia: Synesthesia is a neurological condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway. This phenomenon often results in a blending of the senses, where individuals may hear colors, see sounds, or taste shapes. In the context of Symbolism, synesthesia is crucial as it reflects the movement's emphasis on evoking emotional responses and transcending ordinary perceptions through rich, multi-sensory experiences.
The unconscious: The unconscious refers to the part of the mind that contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are not currently in conscious awareness but still influence behavior and emotions. This concept is crucial in understanding Symbolism, as it emphasizes the significance of hidden meanings and inner experiences, inviting artists to tap into deeper emotional truths beyond surface reality.
Theosophy: Theosophy is a spiritual philosophy that seeks to understand the nature of divinity, humanity, and the universe through mystical insights and esoteric teachings. It emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against materialism and scientific rationalism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the exploration of higher spiritual truths. This concept played a significant role in the Symbolist movement, where artists and writers sought to express deeper meanings and universal truths through their work.