Symbolism emerged as a reaction against Realism, emphasizing subjective emotions and ideas over objective reality. Influenced by philosophy, literature, and esoteric traditions, Symbolist artists explored dreamlike imagery, mystical themes, and the inner world of the psyche.

Symbolist art prioritized expression through symbolic imagery, focusing on themes like death, sexuality, and spirituality. Artists used muted colors, ethereal atmospheres, and personal symbols to create works that resonated emotionally and spiritually with viewers, paving the way for modern art movements.

Symbolist Influences

Philosophical and Literary Foundations

• Symbolism emerged as a reaction against Realism and Naturalism emphasized subjective emotions and ideas over objective reality
• Charles Baudelaire's concept of "correspondences" between physical and spiritual worlds significantly influenced Symbolist thought and artistic expression
• Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophical writings shaped Symbolist aesthetics through ideas on primacy of will and illusory nature of the phenomenal world
• Romantic movement's emphasis on imagination, emotion, and the supernatural inspired Symbolist artists
• Esoteric and occult traditions (Theosophy, Rosicrucianism) played a crucial role in shaping Symbolist imagery and themes
  • Explored concepts of hidden knowledge and spiritual enlightenment
  • Incorporated mystical symbols and allegorical representations

Literary Influences on Visual Art

• Stéphane Mallarmé's poetry utilized suggestive language and explored the subconscious
  • "L'Après-midi d'un faune" (The Afternoon of a Faun) inspired visual artists with its dreamlike imagery
• Paul Verlaine's works emphasized musicality and emotion in poetry
  • "Art poétique" outlined principles that visual artists adapted to painting
• Arthur Rimbaud's innovative use of language and exploration of altered states influenced Symbolist visual vocabulary
  • "Le Bateau ivre" (The Drunken Boat) provided vivid imagery for painters to interpret

Symbolist Art Characteristics

Thematic Focus and Imagery

• Symbolist art prioritizes expression of ideas, emotions, and spiritual truths through symbolic imagery rather than literal representation
• Dreamlike, mystical, and often ambiguous imagery reflects the movement's focus on the inner world of the psyche
• Explored themes of death, sexuality, and the femme fatale imbued with mystery and otherworldliness
  • Death often depicted as a transformative or transcendent experience (Odilon Redon's "The Death of Buddha")
  • Sexuality portrayed through mythological figures (Gustav Klimt's "Danaë")
• Incorporated mythological and religious motifs reinterpreted to express personal or universal truths
  • Greek myths given new symbolic meanings (Gustave Moreau's "Jupiter and Semele")
  • Christian iconography used to explore spiritual themes (Félicien Rops's "The Temptation of St. Anthony")

Artistic Techniques and Approaches

• Concept of synesthesia or blending of sensory experiences important to Symbolist artists
  • Aimed to create works appealing to multiple senses simultaneously
  • Used color and form to evoke musical or poetic qualities (Whistler's "Nocturne" series)
• Emphasized suggestion and evocation over direct statement to resonate emotionally and spiritually with viewers
• Muted color palettes, ethereal atmospheres, and elongated forms characterize much of Symbolist visual style
  • Soft, diffused lighting created dreamy atmospheres (Eugène Carrière's portraits)
  • Elongated figures conveyed spiritual or otherworldly qualities (Ferdinand Hodler's "The Chosen One")
• Use of personal symbols and allegorical figures to represent abstract concepts
  • Odilon Redon's cyclops as a symbol of introspection
  • Fernand Khnopff's sphinxes representing mystery and enigma

Prominent Symbolist Artists

French Symbolists

• Gustave Moreau created intricate, jewel-like paintings of mythological subjects
  • "Oedipus and the Sphinx" exemplifies fusion of literary and visual arts
  • "The Apparition" reimagines the biblical story of Salome with rich symbolism
• Odilon Redon's dreamlike pastels and lithographs pushed boundaries of representational art
  • "Noirs" series explored realm of the subconscious through black and white lithographs
  • "The Cyclops" combined mythological themes with psychological introspection
• Puvis de Chavannes developed distinctive style of mural painting
  • Simplified forms and allegorical themes influenced both Symbolism and later modernist movements
  • "The Sacred Grove, Beloved of the Arts and the Muses" exemplifies his monumental allegorical works

Belgian and Austrian Symbolists

• Félicien Rops created provocative and often erotic works
  • "Pornokrates" embodies Symbolist preoccupation with sexuality and femme fatale archetype
  • "The Temptation of St. Anthony" blends religious imagery with erotic themes
• Fernand Khnopff produced enigmatic works blending realism with symbolist themes
  • "I Lock My Door Upon Myself" explores themes of isolation and introspection
  • "The Caress" combines mythological elements with psychological complexity
• Gustav Klimt's ornate, gold-leaf paintings represent fusion of Symbolism with Art Nouveau
  • "The Kiss" exemplifies his unique style combining decorative elements with symbolic meaning
  • "Hope I" uses allegorical imagery to explore themes of life and death

Symbolism's Impact on Modern Art

Influence on Early 20th Century Movements

• Symbolism's emphasis on subjectivity and inner world paved way for exploration of unconscious in Surrealism
  • André Breton cited Symbolist poets as precursors to Surrealist movement
  • Symbolist dream imagery influenced Surrealist artists (Salvador Dalí, René Magritte)
• Rejection of academic conventions and focus on personal expression influenced development of Expressionism
  • Edvard Munch's emotionally charged works bridge Symbolism and Expressionism
  • German Expressionists like Emil Nolde drew on Symbolist use of color for emotive purposes
• Symbolist ideas about spiritual nature of art contributed to emergence of abstract art
  • Wassily Kandinsky's theories on art and spirituality rooted in Symbolist thought
  • Piet Mondrian's evolution from Symbolist-influenced works to pure abstraction

Legacy in Modern and Contemporary Art

• Symbolist use of color and form for emotive purposes influenced development of Fauvism
  • Henri Matisse's expressive use of color can be traced to Symbolist precedents
  • André Derain's Fauvist landscapes show Symbolist influence in their non-naturalistic color schemes
• Interest in synesthesia and interplay between art forms anticipated later experiments in multimedia art
  • John Cage's interdisciplinary approach echoes Symbolist ideas about sensory correspondences
  • Video art pioneers like Nam June Paik explored synesthetic experiences in their work
• Exploration of dream imagery and irrational aspects of human experience provided foundation for psychological explorations in art
  • Louise Bourgeois's sculptural works continue Symbolist tradition of exploring the psyche
  • Anselm Kiefer's monumental paintings incorporate Symbolist-inspired mythological and alchemical references
• Personal symbolism and mythmaking remain important in contemporary art practices
  • Kiki Smith's figurative sculptures draw on Symbolist themes of the body and spirituality
  • Takashi Murakami's "Superflat" style incorporates personal symbolism with pop culture references