Symbolist

/ˈsɪmbəlɪst/
noun

A person who uses symbols or symbolism in their work, especially a writer or artist of the Symbolist movement.

Many paintings from the 19th century were created by symbolists who preferred to convey emotions and ideas using symbols rather than realistic depictions.
Visual representation of "symbolist" - A person who uses symbols or symbolism in their work, especially a writer or artist of the Symbolist movement

Often appears as...

  • symbolist movement
  • symbolist poet

Usage tips

Artistic, Literary

adjective

Relating to or characteristic of symbolism or the Symbolist movement.

Symbolist art tends to be more abstract and focuses on the emotional and spiritual themes.
Visual representation of "symbolist" - Relating to or characteristic of symbolism or the Symbolist movement

Often appears as...

  • symbolist poem
  • symbolist painter

Usage tips

Artistic, Literary

noun

A person who uses symbols or symbolism in their work, especially a writer or artist of the Symbolist movement.

Many paintings from the 19th century were created by symbolists who preferred to convey emotions and ideas using symbols rather than realistic depictions.
Visual representation of "symbolist" - A person who uses symbols or symbolism in their work, especially a writer or artist of the Symbolist movement

Often appears as...

  • symbolist movement
  • symbolist poet

Usage tips

Artistic, Literary

adjective

Relating to or characteristic of symbolism or the Symbolist movement.

Symbolist art tends to be more abstract and focuses on the emotional and spiritual themes.
Visual representation of "symbolist" - Relating to or characteristic of symbolism or the Symbolist movement

Often appears as...

  • symbolist poem
  • symbolist painter

Usage tips

Artistic, Literary

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "symbolist"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Historical Movement

Relates to a specific 19th-century art and literature movement focusing on using symbolic imagery.

Illustration for Historical Movement
His work is clearly influenced by the symbolist movement.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Expression

Symbolists aimed to express emotions and the mystical through their use of symbols.

Illustration for Emotional Expression
In her poetry, she is a symbolist expressing the ineffable.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Symbolist works are not meant to be taken literally; they hold deeper meanings.

Illustration for Not Literal
The symbolist novel played with themes of love and death.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Historical Movement

Relates to a specific 19th-century art and literature movement focusing on using symbolic imagery.

Illustration for Historical Movement
His work is clearly influenced by the symbolist movement.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Expression

Symbolists aimed to express emotions and the mystical through their use of symbols.

Illustration for Emotional Expression
In her poetry, she is a symbolist expressing the ineffable.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Symbolist works are not meant to be taken literally; they hold deeper meanings.

Illustration for Not Literal
The symbolist novel played with themes of love and death.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Historical Movement

Relates to a specific 19th-century art and literature movement focusing on using symbolic imagery.

Illustration for Historical Movement
His work is clearly influenced by the symbolist movement.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Expression

Symbolists aimed to express emotions and the mystical through their use of symbols.

Illustration for Emotional Expression
In her poetry, she is a symbolist expressing the ineffable.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Symbolist works are not meant to be taken literally; they hold deeper meanings.

Illustration for Not Literal
The symbolist novel played with themes of love and death.
Visual representation of the word "Symbolist"

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Quote examples

Patti Smith

American Musician

We didn't have the phrase 'style icon' when I was young, but I have to say, I really copied Bob Dylan when I was younger: a little bit of Bob Dylan or a lot of Bob Dylan and the French symbolist poets - I liked how they dressed - and Catholic school boys.
Portrait of Patti Smith

Quote examples

Henry Adams

American Historian

I am an anarchist in politics and an impressionist in art as well as a symbolist in literature. Not that I understand what these terms mean, but I take them to be all merely synonyms of pessimist.
Portrait of Henry Adams

Quote examples

Patti Smith

American Musician

We didn't have the phrase 'style icon' when I was young, but I have to say, I really copied Bob Dylan when I was younger: a little bit of Bob Dylan or a lot of Bob Dylan and the French symbolist poets - I liked how they dressed - and Catholic school boys.
Portrait of Patti Smith

Quote examples

Henry Adams

American Historian

I am an anarchist in politics and an impressionist in art as well as a symbolist in literature. Not that I understand what these terms mean, but I take them to be all merely synonyms of pessimist.
Portrait of Henry Adams
Example 1 of 2
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