Symbolism
A literary and artistic movement that
nourished in France in the late nineteenth century.
Symbolist artists rejected realism, believing that
painting should convey ideas and states of mind
rather than simply describe the visible world. Their
styles varied from jewel-like richness to pale
serenity but their common interest was in conveying a
feeling of other-worldliness. Subjects of a religious
or mythological flavour were popular, and eroticism,
death and sin were common themes.
Representative
artists:
Moreau, Redon