So, let me give you some brief information about symbolism in art. Symbolism began as a literary movement in France in the 1880s, during a period of enormous change and upheaval in Europe. Symbolism in painting took its direction from the poets and literary theorists of the movement, but it also represented a reaction against the objectivist aims of Realism and the increasingly influential movement of Impressionism. In contrast to the relatively concrete representation these movements sought, symbolist painters preferred works based on fantasy and the imagination. Symbolism in art comprises esoteric imagery, sensory suggestions, religion, mysticism, sin, and love.
Let me show and introduce to you the three (3) famous symbolist artists.
Gustave Moreau was a French artist who was almost single-handedly responsible for defining the aesthetics of symbolism. He was the legendary symbolist (1826–1898), known for his erotic paintings of mythological and religious subjects. For Moreau, his art was a way to substitute for the unpleasant and boring reality.
Franz von Stuck was a German painter, sculptor, printmaker, and architect (1863–1928). The symbolist paintings of the German artist Franz von Stuck can be recognized instantly because of their intense darkness that contrasts with the ornamented gilded frames.
Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was an Austrian symbolist painter. He was known as the legendary Viennese symbolist. Klimt's primary subject was the female body. In his works, he combined complex allegories with elaborate decorations and deep sensuality with unsettling emotion.
Keep scrolling, and let me show you some of the works of the artists mentioned above. Join me as I discover the vibrant and captivating creations of these famous symbolist artists.
Artist: Gustave Moreau
Created: 1865
Medium: Oil Paint
Period: Symbolism
Subject: Orpheus
Artist: Gustave Moreau
Created: 1875-1876
Medium: Oil on canvas
Period: Symbolism
Subject: Lernaean Hydra, Heracles
Artist: Franz von Stuck
Created: 1893
Medium: Oil Paint
Period: Symbolism
Artist: Franz von Stuck
Created: 1915
Medium: Oil Paint
Period: Symbolism
Artist: Gustav Klimt
Created: 1908-1911
Medium: Oil on canvas
Period: Symbolism
Artist: Gustav Klimt
Created: 1903-1907
Medium: Oil Paint
Period: Symbolism
Curator: Bea M. Leones
Year and Course: 1st Year - AB Psychology
Prof: Ma'am Margieber Bumatay
Subject: Art Appreciation
Final Project