Collection: Symbolism

Symbolism was an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, rejecting the realistic portrayal of the world in favour of representing the inner, subjective experience. It focused on expressing emotions, dreams, and abstract ideas through symbolic imagery, often drawing on mythology, spirituality, and the supernatural. Symbolist artists aimed to evoke moods and atmospheres rather than depict the external world realistically, using vivid colours, exaggerated forms, and dreamlike compositions to suggest deeper meanings. The movement sought to explore the complexities of the human soul and the mysteries of existence, influencing not just visual art but literature and poetry as well.