Day 22: Symbolism

Symbolism came about in the late 19^th century within the Post-Impressionist movement. It began with literature and poetry, philosophy and theater, and then made its way through the arts and music. These artists were against the Realist movement and anything that seemed natural. Symbolists looked for things that came from their imaginations, dreams, and unconscious.

Symbolists in the fine arts were inspired by the literature and poetry at the time along with history, myths, and Biblical stories. Some of them even turned to alcohol and drugs to further enhance their imaginations. A few of their favorite subjects included occultism, disease, sin, death, and love.

Here are some of the most famous of the Symbolist paintings:

Sir Edward Burne-Jones, The Beguiling of Merlin, 1878

Arnold Böcklin, Island of the Dead, 1880

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, The Dream, 1883

Gustave Moreau, The Life of Humanity, 1886

Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1893

Edvard Munch, Anxiety, 1894

Fernand Khnopff, The Sphinx (The Caresses), 1896

Adrià Gual, The Dew, 1897