Famous Symbolism Paintings

Symbolism was an artists movement in the late 19th century. It was a creative response to the rapid industrialization and scientific progress at that time. Symbolism allowed artists to express complex emotions and ideas through visual representation. It is amazing how emotions can be depicted on canvas making these artists very creative in their artwork.

Norwegian artist Edvard Munch was known for exploring human emotions and psychological states in this artwork. His contributions to symbolism have left a lasting impact on the art world.

His most famous painting The Scream has become a symbol of anxiety and existential angst. He was able to capture the turmoil of the human conditions with acute intensity. This artwork has been represented on many different items since the original painting and is well known just by name alone.

French artist Odilon Redon created artworks that depicted otherwordly subjects blending reality with fantasy. The artist is best-known for his charcoal drawings and lithographs. These would often feature grotesque and ethereal creatures.

One of his popular works is The Cyclops which illustrates his ability to create strange and intriguing narrative with deep symbolism. In the artwork you can see that giant peeking at you over the landscape.

French artist Gustave Moreau created artworks that were inspired by mythological and biblical themes.

In one of his best known artworks Jupiter and Semele the artist intertwines mythology and symbolism. The result became a amazing visual experience.

French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes was renowned for his large-scale murals. These featured allogorical and poetic themes. The artist often depicted figures in serene landscapes giving a ethereal and dreamlike composition.

His most famous artwork The Poor Fisherman depicts the deep melancholy and spirituality that was usually portrayed through his art.

Swiss/French artist Felix Vallotton was a prominent member of the symbolism movement. His artworks depicted mysterious figures and explored the themes of deception and eroticism. His unique style greatly influenced the development of modern art.

His popular woodcut The Kiss gave him recognition for the bold and innovative use of shape and color. (Pictured above)

Belgian artist Fernand Khnopff developed an unusual symbolism style that was characterized by introspection and enigma. These artworks often included pale, isolated figures in mysterious settings.

His most renowned painting The Caress depicted a woman's face partially veiled. The artwork explored the themes of desire, secrecy, and the unconscious mind.

Czech artist Frantisek Kupka was considered to be one of the pioneers of abstract art within the symbolism movement. He depicted the spiritual and transcendental aspects of life.

One of his best known artworks The Yellow Scale highlights his unique style with vibrant colors and geometric forms evoking energy and movement.

Austrian artist Gustav Klimt was the leading figure of symbolism in Vienna, Austria. The artist had a ornate and highly decorative style. His themes encompassed love, desire, and mortality.

Among his most famous artworks was The Kiss which depicted a couple locked in an embrace that blurred the boundaries between the spiritual and physical realms.

Swiss artist Arnold Bocklin was known for his powerful allegorical landscapes and mythological scenes. In his artwork he depicted idyllic settings and mythical creatures and explored the thems of life, death, and the subconscious.

His most famous artwork Isle of the Dead depicts a solitary rocky island that is shrouded in mystery and death.

Russian artist Mikhail Vrubel was known for his highly expressive and emotional artworks. His paintings included the elements fo Eastern European folklore and myth.

His masterpiece The Demon Seated shows his ability to depict intense emotions and spiritual turmoil.