Symbolism

Period: 1860 – 1910

Characteristics: Emphasis on emotions and ideas, use of symbols, rejection of Naturalism

Events: Publication of “Les Fleurs du mal” by Charles Baudelaire (1861), Opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (1870), Freud’s early work on Psychoanalysis (late 1890s – early 1900s)

Introduction

The Symbolist movement emerged in the late 19th century as a way for artists to express emotions, ideas, and symbolic narratives in response to the rapid changes brought on by industrialisation and European urbanisation. This artistic and cultural shift extended beyond visual arts to literature, music, and theatre. Symbolism allowed artists to explore alternative realities, dreams, myths, and the supernatural during a time of considerable societal change. In this post, we’ll explore Symbolism and highlight some of the most famous symbolist artists.

Origins of Symbolism

The Symbolist movement in art and literature emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the Naturalism and Realism that had dominated European culture. It originated primarily in France and Belgium, seeking to express ideas and emotions beyond depicting the observable world. Symbolism was significantly influenced by the earlier Romantic movement, valuing imagination, emotion, and individualism but aimed to delve even deeper into the mysterious and mystical aspects of human experience. The Symbolists aimed to evoke the ineffable and the intangible through suggestive imagery and metaphor rather than through direct representation.

In literature, Symbolism can be traced back to the influential poetry of Charles Baudelaire. His seminal work, ‘Les Fleurs du mal’ (The Flowers of Evil), delved into themes of decadence, eroticism, and the interplay between beauty and evil. Baudelaire’s evocative use of language and ability to imbue everyday objects with deeper meanings laid the foundation for the Symbolist ethos. Following Baudelaire, poets like Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine further developed Symbolist techniques, emphasising musicality, suggestion, and the use of symbols to reveal hidden truths.

In visual arts, Symbolism is expressed through the works of artists such as Gustave Moreau, Odilon Redon, and Gustav Klimt. These artists sought to transcend the physical world, creating dreamlike, fantastical images that conveyed complex emotional and spiritual states. Moreau’s richly detailed paintings often featured mythological and biblical themes, filled with intricate symbols that invited multiple interpretations. Redon’s ethereal compositions explored inner visions and the subconscious, often featuring enigmatic figures and surreal landscapes. Klimt merged eroticism with existential contemplation, producing visually striking and symbolically dense works.

Symbolism also significantly influenced theatre, notably through the works of playwright Maurice Maeterlinck. Maeterlinck’s plays emphasised atmosphere and mood over plot and character development, creating a sense of otherworldliness and emotional depth. The Symbolist movement, though relatively short-lived, had a lasting impact on subsequent artistic developments, paving the way for modernist movements like Surrealism and Expressionism. Symbolism challenged artists and writers to explore the deeper, often darker aspects of human consciousness and experience by focusing on the symbolic and the metaphysical.

Characteristics of Symbolism

Symbolist paintings use evocative imagery and rich Symbolism to convey deeper meanings and emotions beyond the literal subjects depicted. One key characteristic is allegory and metaphor, where objects, figures, and scenes are imbued with symbolic significance. Artists often incorporate mythological, religious, and fantastical elements to represent abstract concepts such as dreams, fears, desires, and existential questions. Many paintings frequently featured intricate mythological scenes as allegories for broader philosophical ideas. These elements are not meant to be interpreted literally. Instead, they are intended to evoke a deeper, often subjective, understanding in the viewer.

Another defining feature of Symbolist paintings is their emphasis on mood and atmosphere over realistic representation. Symbolist artists create dreamlike, often mysterious environments that guide the viewer’s emotional journey into an otherworldly realm. This is achieved through soft, diffused lighting, unusual colour palettes, and ethereal, sometimes indistinct forms. Many Symbolist paintings are known for their haunting, surreal quality, with floating figures and shadowy landscapes that evoke a sense of the subconscious and the mystical. This focus on creating an immersive, emotional experience distinguishes Symbolist works from the more grounded, detail-oriented approach of Realism and Naturalism.

The visual style of Symbolist paintings often incorporates intricate detail and decorative elements, reflecting a fascination with beauty and the exotic. Some artists used gold leaf and elaborate patterns to create visually opulent works rich in texture and ornamentation. These decorative aspects enhance the paintings’ symbolic content, drawing the viewer’s attention to the layered meanings embedded within the artwork. Additionally, Symbolist paintings frequently explore themes of sensuality and mortality, blending erotic imagery with a contemplative exploration of life’s deeper mysteries.

Symbolism in Art

This section showcases some of the most renowned Symbolist painters, their lives, and their artistic contributions. We will look at Hugo Simberg, Edvard Munch, and Odilon Redon. These artists brought a unique perspective to the art world, exploring themes of Symbolism and the human psyche through their evocative and thought-provoking works.

Hugo Simberg

Hugo Simberg (1873-1917) was a renowned Finnish symbolist painter and graphic artist known for his unique, somewhat eerie, and mystifying thematic art. Born in Hamina, Finland, Simberg was the seventh child in an eleven-child family. He began his artistic journey in Helsinki, where he studied at the Finnish Art Society Drawing School. Simberg’s art was a departure from traditional Realism as he was drawn to the worlds of Symbolism and mythology.

Simberg’s artworks are best known for their mysterious and often sombre themes. His works blend reality and fantasy effortlessly, bridging the gap between the known and the unknown. “The Wounded Angel,” arguably his most recognised work, portrays an angelic figure carried by two boys, evoking a poignant sense of melancholy and vulnerability. Simberg’s art frequently explores themes of death, supernatural beings, and the inexplicable aspects of existence, creating a sense of otherworldly mystery that is both intriguing and captivating.

Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch (1863-1944) was a Norwegian painter and printmaker known as a pioneer of the Expressionist movement. He was born in Loten, Norway, and his early life was marked by illness, grief, and a strict religious upbringing, which significantly influenced his later works.

Munch studied at the Royal School of Art and Design in Oslo. Still, he broke away from the impressionist and post-impressionist styles that dominated the school. Instead, he sought to express psychological concepts, emotions, and human anxiety in his work.

Munch’s art is best known for its representation of intense psychological themes. He is credited with translating personal trauma into universal and symbolic images. His most famous work, “The Scream”, is a symbolic portrayal of anxiety and existential dread. The painting’s protagonist emits a blood-curdling scream, echoed by the turbulent, swirling backdrop, perfectly capturing Munch’s psychological turmoil.

Munch’s works are characterised by their exploration of themes such as death, sickness, and anxiety. He presents a tormented view of the world that reflects his own experiences.

Odilon Redon

Odilon Redon (1840-1916), born in Bordeaux, France, was a Symbolist painter and printmaker often associated with the post-impressionist period. Redon initially pursued architecture but abandoned it due to failing grades. He later switched to studying painting and drawing under Jean-Léon Gérôme and Rodolphe Bresdin. Redon’s work was largely ignored until he was in his fifties when he started gaining recognition, particularly for his pastels and oils.

Redon’s art is known for its imaginative, dreamlike quality and blending reality and fantasy. He used these elements to create unique, emotionally charged compositions. His work, “The Crying Spider”, perfectly exemplifies his tendency to depict unusual, fantastical creatures that elicit an eerie, unsettling mood. Much of Redon’s work is characterised by exploring the subconscious, depicting dreams, and a fascination with the macabre and the mystical. He used his art to explore the deeper layers of the human psyche, creating a universe populated by hybrid creatures and surreal landscapes.

Conclusion

The Symbolist movement emerged in response to the societal changes brought on by industrialisation and urbanisation in the late 19th century. It allowed artists to explore alternative realities, dreams, and the mystical aspects of human experience. Symbolism influenced various art forms, including visual arts, literature, music, and theatre, and paved the way for modernist movements such as Surrealism and Expressionism.