Symbolist - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art movement

Symbolism is an artistic and literary movement that arose in the late 19th century, primarily in France. It sought to express the individual experience of the artist and to evoke emotional responses through suggestive imagery and symbolism rather than through direct representation. Symbolists believed that art should convey deeper meanings and feelings, using symbolism to capture the essence of an idea or emotion. Poetry, painting, and music were often infused with supernatural themes and dream-like imagery, making the work open to interpretation.

Synonyms

artist, poet, thinker.

Examples of usage

The Symbolist movement profoundly influenced modern poetry.
Many famous artists were associated with the Symbolist movement.
Symbolist poets often used nature as a metaphor for human emotions.
The use of color and form in Symbolist painting invites personal interpretation.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The Symbolist movement began in the late 19th century, mainly in France, as a reaction against realism.
Key figures like Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine explored deeper meanings in their poetry, often using dream-like imagery.

Literature

Symbolist poets preferred abstraction, often evoking emotions through symbols rather than detailed descriptions.
Works from this movement significantly influenced later literary styles, including Surrealism and Modernism.

Visual Arts

Artists like Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon created pieces filled with symbols that invite viewers to interpret deeper meanings.
Symbolism in art often features themes of mysticism and spirituality, moving beyond the visible world.

Music

The Symbolist movement extended into music, with composers like Claude Debussy incorporating poetic themes into their compositions.
Songs and compositions during this time often reflected the emotional landscapes described by Symbolist poets.

Cultural Impact

This movement paved the way for later artistic revolutions, influencing movements in art, literature, and music worldwide.
Symbolism encouraged artists to explore the subconscious, paving the way for psychological approaches in later artworks.

Origin of 'symbolist'

The term 'symbolist' is derived from the root word 'symbol', which comes from the Greek 'symbolon', meaning 'token' or 'sign'. This term was adopted in the context of art and literature during the late 19th century when artists and writers began to escape the constraints of realism and romanticism. The Symbolist movement emphasized the subjective experience and personal interpretation of art, shifting towards abstraction and focusing on sensory experiences. Pioneered in France, figures like Paul Verlaine and Stéphane Mallarmé in poetry, and artists such as Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon in painting, helped cement the principles of Symbolism. The movement consequently laid the groundwork for various 20th-century art movements, including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, thus broadening the scope of artistic expression and influencing how artists convey complex emotions through their work.

Symbolist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations