What is Symbolism‪?‬

“This splendid work is highly recommended.” —Choice

Peyre’s beautiful introduction to the Symbolist movement, which emerged in the late 19th century. A literary and artistic movement that sought to express the ineffable and the mysterious aspects of human experience, Symbolism originated in France and spread across Europe, influencing various forms of art, including poetry, painting, and music. Prominent figures in the Symbolist movement include poets like Charles Baudelaire, Stéphane Mallarmé, and Paul Verlaine, as well as artists like Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon. The Symbolist movement had a profound impact on later artistic and literary movements, such as Modernism and Surrealism, shaping the way artists and writers approached the exploration of the human psyche and the mysteries of existence.