Symbolism in Art – Poetry and Emotion Combined

When did the Symbolist period take place?

Symbolism was an art movement that developed towards the end of the 19th century, from around the 1880s, and continued to exert an influence well into the early 20th century. It emerged as a counter-movement to Naturalism and Impressionism, which sought to depict visible reality as accurately as possible. Symbolist artists, on the other hand, sought a deeper, often mystical truth, which they expressed through symbols, dreams and metaphors. Prominent figures in Symbolist art included the painter Gustave Moreau, the poet Charles Baudelaire and the writer Maurice Maeterlinck. Symbolism later influenced Art Nouveau and early Modernism.

The social and political context in which Symbolist art emerged was characterised by profound upheavals. Industrialisation led to technological advances, but also to social insecurity. The 19th century was also marked by nationalism, colonialism and major political tensions in Europe. In France, the centre of Symbolism, the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) was followed by the Third Republic, whilst in Russia, growing unrest heralded the collapse of the Tsarist Empire. Symbolist artists turned their backs on materialistic society and sought refuge in the world of dreams, myth and spirituality.

Typical Symbolist motifs and characteristics

The French critic Albert Aurier defined the characteristics of the Symbolist art movement as follows: “The aim of painting cannot be the direct representation of objects. Its purpose is to give expression to ideas by translating them into a special language […], which is at once subjective, synthetic, symbolist and idealistic.” Symbolism developed as a reaction to the growing materialism and rationalism of the 19th century. Symbolist art viewed industrial and secular society with scepticism and criticised an alienation from spirituality and transcendence. Instead of art that merely depicted visible reality, they sought deeper, hidden truths that could be expressed through symbolism and metaphor. Symbolist artworks were often characterised by a mysterious atmosphere, full of allegories and metaphysical allusions. This was intended to give viewers an intuitive, almost mystical experience.

Another key feature of Symbolism was the rejection of academic conventions and naturalism. The proponents of Symbolism found the prevailing realistic style of representation too superficial and restrictive. Instead, Symbolist artists strove for a subjective, emotional and concept-based art that explored inner experiences and states of mind. This approach to Symbolist art was also reflected in literature, where poets such as Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Rimbaud and Stéphane Mallarmé pushed the boundaries of conventional storytelling through vivid imagery and musical rhythm.

Furthermore, Symbolist art addressed social and moral injustices. The proponents of Symbolism viewed inequality and social problems as expressions of a deeper crisis of humanity. In their works, they explored themes of loneliness, decay and existential fears. In painting in particular, artists such as Edvard Munch and Ferdinand Hodler used expressive colours and simplified forms to depict emotional and psychological states. Symbolist art was thus not merely an escape into dream worlds, but also a critical examination of the darker sides of modern society.

Famous works of Symbolism

The influence of Symbolism to this day

Symbolist art had a major influence on numerous subsequent art movements and continues to shape the modern art world to this day. Its influence is particularly evident in Surrealism, which also explored dreams, myths and the world of the unconscious. Artists such as Salvador Dalí and René Magritte took up the idea of ambiguous symbolism and developed it further. Art Nouveau, with its flowing lines, ornamental forms and allegorical representations, was also strongly influenced by Symbolist art. Later, Symbolism left its mark on abstract painting by promoting the idea that art need not depict visible reality, but can instead appeal to deeper emotional and spiritual levels.

Furthermore, the influence of Symbolism can be felt in many areas of modern culture. In cinema, for example, directors such as David Lynch and Guillermo del Toro draw on Symbolist elements by employing surreal visual worlds and metaphorical narrative styles. Ideas from Symbolist art also live on in literature – particularly in genres such as fantasy and magical realism, which draw on dream logic, myths and multi-layered meanings. Even in fashion and advertising, Symbolist echoes can be found, for example in the use of mystical and metaphorical motifs to create emotionally charged imagery. Although Symbolism as a movement is long past, its influence remains alive and continues to inspire artists, designers and creatives worldwide.

Original works in the Symbolist style at SKM

FAQs on Symbolism