The representation of a concept through a symbol is called symbolism.
The system of symbols that allows us to represent a concept, a belief or an event is known as symbolism . This system works based on the association of ideas that the symbols promote and the networks of these that emerge.
For example: "The Masonic lodge is characterized by its strong symbolism" , "I do not understand the symbolism of this author's books" , "Tomorrow I will attend a lecture by a Japanese who specializes in the symbolism of dragons" .
Symbolism as an artistic school
Symbolism, on the other hand, is an artistic school that emerged in France at the end of the 19th century and is characterized by evoking or suggesting objects instead of naming them directly.
The emergence of symbolism is related to the opposition to naturalism through a commitment to fantasy . The artists enrolled in this new movement tried to recover the ideas of romanticism , which were losing relevance with the advance of the industrial revolution . Symbolism, therefore, appears linked to the spiritual.
Symbolism is based on the association of ideas.
Main references
The symbolists proposed to decipher the mysteries of the world by searching for correspondences between sensible objects. Charles Baudelaire , Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine were some of the precursors of the movement, which spread from literature to painting , sculpture and theatre .
In the field of painting, we would have to establish that symbolism had important figures who became not only references within it but also for later generations. Specifically, among the most important we would highlight the following:
• Gustave Moreau . This French artist is considered the precursor of that movement at a pictorial level and his works are characterized by starring biblical characters as well as incorporating decadent environments.
• Odilon Redon . Bordeaux was, for his part, where this artist who has gone down in history for having carried out tragic works marked by the dreamlike as well as fantasy was born.
• Puvis de Chavannes . This painter was another of the most significant members of this artistic movement. In his case, he differs from the previous ones by the fact that his works are calmer and more balanced although, as could not be otherwise, clearly marked by symbolic figures and ideas.
Symbolism in theater
Within the literary field, and more specifically in the theater genre, certain authors became relevant, but none of them reached the figure of Auguste Villiers de L'Isle Adam . This writer is also of French origin and stood out for the fact that his dramatic works were characterized by an extremely lyrical character but also by being violent and very profound.
Good examples of this are works such as "Le Prétendant" , "Le Nouveau Monde" , "La Révolte" or "Axël" , which for many was the most perfect example of what symbolism was.
It should be noted that the symbolism was not limited to France , but was expanding without recognizing geographical borders and gaining followers in all parts of the world. This is how it crossed the ocean and even reached Latin America .