Symbolism And Synthetism

c. 1885–1905

These movements emphasized inner meaning and emotion. Artists used simplified forms and symbolic imagery. Naturalism was rejected in favor of suggestion. Art became poetic and introspective.

Green Death

Odilon Redon

1905

A mysterious, symbol-laden vision rendered in eerie, luminous color.

Le Grand-Lemps

Pierre Bonnard

1892

Sun-washed domestic view in soft color patches and gentle light.

The Vision After the Sermon

Paul Gauguin

1888

Breton women witness Jacob wrestling the angel, set against a flat red field.

The Buckwheat Harvest

Emile Bernard

1888

Simplified Breton scene with bold outlines and flattened color.