Symbolism- Definition
Symbolism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the rationality and materialism of the industrial era. It aimed to convey the inexplicable aspects of human experience through symbolic imagery, metaphor, and suggestive representation. Symbolists sought to evoke emotions, delve into the subconscious, and challenge rationality by utilizing dreamlike elements and encouraging subjective interpretation. The movement prioritized the power of suggestion and the transcendent nature of art, leaving a profound impact on various art forms. Influential figures include Gustave Moreau, Odilon Redon, Charles Baudelaire, and Stéphane Mallarmé.
Symbolism- Overview
Actually, this article describes everything about Symbolism. But still, if you want to know more things about Symbolism, then you should read our two categories– “Schools of poetry” and “Aesthetics topics.”
You would know these things in this article:- Precursors and origins, Symbolists and decadents & The Symbolist Manifesto.
And if you want to know more things (About Symbolism movement). Then check our- People also search (Symbolism) for section.
A category such as “Schools of poetry,” describes the various aspects, and Category “Aesthetics topics” gives information about other things.
Symbolism- 4 Frequently asked questions
1. Can you explain the history of Symbolism?
Date of the emergence of this art movement is- 1857. “The Kiss,” “The Crying Spider” (So-called artworks) define the history of this art style, these are Symbolism artworks.
There are some artists such as Edvard Munch, Gustav Klimt, and James Ensor who contributed to the renaissance of Symbolism movement.
Paintings/artworks that are part of SYMBOLISM history.
Top 3 Artworks
The Kiss:-
The Crying Spider:-
The Yellow Christ:-
Top 5 Artists
1st Gustav Klimt
Notable works:- Judith II (1909) & The Blind Man 1896.
Qualification:- University of Munich (Austrian symbolist painter).
2nd James Ensor
Notable works:- The Rower, 1883 & Christ’s Entry Into Brussels in 1889.
Qualification:- Commander of the Order of Leopold (Belgian painter and printmaker).
3rd Fernand Khnopff
Notable works:- Portrait of Marguerite Khnopff (1887) & The Garden (1886).
Qualification:- Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Brussels (Belgian painter).
4th Edvard Munch
Notable works:- Self-Portrait with Skeleton Arm, 1895 & Standing Nude (1887).
Qualification:- Royal School of Art and Design (Norwegian painter).
5th Edward Burne-Jones
Notable works:- Sidonia by Borcke, 1860 & The Beguiling of Merlin, 1874.
Qualification:- Royal Academy of Science, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium (English artist and designer).
2. What were some of the characteristics of the Symbolism period?
Symbolism, an artistic and literary period of the late 19th century, was characterized by distinct features. It emphasized subjectivity, aiming to convey emotions and explore spiritual aspects of human existence. Symbolists utilized symbolic imagery, metaphor, and allegory to convey deeper meanings, often incorporating dreamlike and fantastical elements. The movement served as an escape from the prevailing rationality of the industrial age, delving into alternative realities and the mysteries of the subconscious. Synesthesia played a role, as artists aimed to stimulate multiple senses simultaneously. Symbolism shared connections with Decadent and Aesthetic movements, celebrating beauty and exploring themes of spirituality, mysticism, and the occult. It was a diverse movement with unique expressions by individual artists and writers.
3. Who would be considered the ‘Father’ of Symbolism?
If you analyze the biography of Symbolism artists and Symbolism artworks, then you would get that there is no fixed answer to this question.
If you are the Symbolism student, then you must have seen differences in paintings such as “Bathing of a Red Horse,” “The Kiss,” “The Yellow Christ,” “The Death of the Gravedigger,” and “The Crying Spider.”
Along with it, if you analyze the biography of Symbolism artists such as Edward Burne-Jones, Gustav Klimt, Fernand Khnopff, Edvard Munch, and James Ensor.
Then it would be very difficult to say.
Because, altogether, their contribution to the renaissance of Symbolism movement is huge and these are counted among the elite class in Symbolism history.
That’s why there is no fixed answer.
4.What are some of the most expensive pieces of Symbolism ever created?
GUSTAV KLIMT is obviously number 1 Symbolism artist. And the artworks of this artist (“The Death of the Gravedigger,” and “The Crying Spider” including others) remain in high demand. And these artworks are counted in most expensive pieces of Symbolism created.
Along with it, you may select our- Gustav Klimt art-Top 25 designs, paintings, photos, prints, and sculptures.
Although, Edvard Munch, Fernand Khnopff, and James Ensor are also a very renowned name in this category. Their Symbolism artworks are also very expensive.
Symbolism- Top 4 Famous Paintings
1. The Kiss (Klimt)
Artist: Gustav Klimt
Location: Austrian Gallery Belvedere
Periods: Art Nouveau, Modern art, Symbolism, Vienna Secession
Genre: Genre art
Created: 1907–1908
Media: Oil Paint, Gold leaf
Dimensions: 1.8 m x 1.8 m
The Kiss (in German Der Kuss) is an oil-on-canvas painting with added gold leaf, silver and platinum by the Austrian Symbolist painter Gustav Klimt.
2. The Crying Spider
Artist: Odilon Redon
Period: Symbolism
Created: 1881
The “Crying Spider” painting portrays a tearful spider, evoking a mysterious and melancholic atmosphere for viewers to ponder.
3. The Yellow Christ
Artist: Paul Gauguin
Period: Symbolism
Location: Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Created: 1889–1889
Medium: Oil Paint
Subject: Passion of Jesus
Dimensions: 91 cm x 73 cm
The painting is a symbolic piece that shows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ taking place in 19th-century northern France as Breton women are gathered in prayer.
4. The Death of the Gravedigger
Artist: Carlos Schwabe
Period: Symbolism
Created: 1895–1900
“The Death of the Gravedigger” depicts a poignant scene of mortality, inviting reflection on the transient nature of life and death.
Symbolism- Characteristics
If you want to know the characteristics of Symbolism along with Cubism, Conceptual art, and Realism.
So here are two categories 1. (Schools of poetry) and 2. (Aesthetics topics) that explain the various aspects of this art movement.
First category “Schools of poetry” explains the deepness of this art movement and,
Second category “Aesthetics topics” describes the artistic aspect of this art movement.
There are very famous artworks such as – “The Kiss,” “The Crying Spider,” “The Yellow Christ.” If you observe the artworks of Symbolism, then you can easily guess the characteristics of it.
And also other paintings such as “The Death of the Gravedigger” and “Bathing of a Red Horse” describe the characteristic of it.
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Symbolism- People also search for
| Top artists (5) | Top artworks (5) |
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Symbolism- Other art movements
Land art
Modernism
Expressionism
Symbolism- Relation with other art movements.
Symbolism has been the part of art history, which artists such as Gustav Klimt, James Ensor, and Fernand Khnopff have contributed to a great extent to make it art movement.
Symbolism has given many other renowned artists such as Edvard Munch, Edward Burne-Jones, etc. Symbolism is an art movement of art lovers because Symbolism is a pastiche of many different art styles such as Realism, Conceptual art, Cubism, etc.
In this article, you would get information about other art movements also such as;
Realism
Conceptual art
Cubism
If you (As a/an Symbolism student) see the artworks of these art movements, specifically Realism and Conceptual art, then definitely you would get small similarity.
Indeed, Symbolism is a pastiche of many art movements due to its artists.
Symbolism has a complicated history (Relation of artists of Symbolism), and its specific and precise definition (Of Symbolism) has been the subject of debate.
That’s why, in the realm of art, craft, and aesthetics, the definition of Symbolism is different. But don’t worry; this website (artandcrafter.com– Gustav Klimt + Symbolism) has covered all aspects.
