Discover · Symbolism

100 Famous Symbolism Paintings You'll Love

1872 – 1938

Gustav Klimt's Death and Life (1908, Leopold Museum), Gustave Moreau's The Apparition (1876, Fogg Museum) and Maurice Denis's Three Muses (1893, Musée d'Orsay): these are the most famous Symbolism paintings. Below, all 100 of them — painted from 1872 to 1938 by 45 artists — with their date, their size and the museum that keeps them.

Death and Life by Gustav Klimt, 1908, Leopold Museum — famous Symbolism painting
No. 1 · Gustav KlimtDeath and Life1908 · Leopold Museum, Vienna
100paintings to discover
45artists to meet · Arnold Böcklin – Frida Kahlo
46museums across 27 cities
3at the Tate Gallery

The list

The 100 Symbolism paintings people love most

No jargon: the painting, who made it, where it lives today and one thing to look for — scroll until one speaks to you.

  1. Death and Life by Gustav Klimt, 1908, Leopold Museum
    1

    Leopold Museum, Vienna1908Oil on canvas178 × 198 cm

    "Death and Life" by Gustav Klimt is a mesmerizing exploration of mortality and vitality, rendered in his signature Symbolist style. The painting's vibrant color palette is a feast for the eyes. The figure on the left, with its prominent skull motif, personifies Death, standing as an inevitable yet impersonal force. The artwork exemplifies Klimt's mastery of Symbolism and Art Nouveau.

    Spotemotional depiction of maternal love and familial bondscontrast between geometric and organic shapesmosaic-like patterns on the figure representing Death

    Hand-painted from $300 Canvas from $42

  2. The Apparition by Gustave Moreau, 1876, Fogg Museum
    2

    Fogg Museum, Cambridge1876Watercolor72 × 105 cm

    This watercolor, housed in the Musée d'Orsay, captures the biblical moment when Salome dances before Herod Antipas, her vision haunted by the severed head of John the Baptist. "The Apparition" exemplifies this style, with its rich symbolism and ethereal beauty.

    Spotsalome dancing in front of Herod Antipasvision of John the Baptist's severed headlavishly decorated palace inspired by the Alhambra

    Hand-painted from $275 Canvas from $42

  3. Three Muses by Maurice Denis, 1893, Musée d'Orsay
    3

    Musée d'Orsay, Paris1893Oil on canvas171 × 137.5 cm

    Maurice Denis was an important figure in the transitional period between impressionism and modern art. The diffuse lighting creates gentle shadows and highlights, adding dimension to the figures and trees.

    Spotintimate moment between two women at a tableblending of human figures with natural environmentuse of gold accents in foliage suggesting enchantment

    Hand-painted from $275 Canvas from $42

  4. La Guerre by Arnold Böcklin, 1896, Kunsthaus Zürich
    4

    Kunsthaus Zürich, Zurich1896Tempera on panel222 × 170 cm

    The composition is dense and layered, featuring a central cluster of figures in intense action. A man in red raises an axe above his head, poised to strike, while a woman with flowing hair appears to be in distress or flight.

    Spotwoman with flowing hair in distressdark figure with animalistic featurescentral cluster of figures engaged in violent struggle

    Hand-painted from $200 Canvas from $42

  5. The Wounded Angel by Hugo Simberg, 1903, Finnish National Gallery
    5

    Finnish National Gallery, Helsinki1903Oil on canvas127 × 154 cm

    The composition focuses on the procession of the three figures across a desolate landscape. The procession moves through a recognizable landscape of Eläintarha, Helsinki. In 2006, it was voted Finland's national painting in a poll conducted by the Ateneum art museum.

    Hand-painted from $200 Canvas from $42

  6. Agni Yoga by Nicholas Roerich, 1929
    6

    1929Tempera on canvas

    The artwork portrays a solitary female figure standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast landscape of mountains and water. Roerich’s style is characterized by its illustrative quality, utilizing simplified forms and flat planes of color rather than realistic detail.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  7. The Burial of Casagemas. Evocation by Pablo Picasso, 1903–1904
    7

    1903–1904Oil on canvas

    The generous application of paint – impasto – creates a rich texture that adds both depth and physicality to the composition. The central figure—Casagemas' shrouded corpse—represents not only physical death but also the loss of youth, potential, and companionship.

    Spotwinged horsenude figuresswirling vortex

    See this painting

  8. The Race Track by Albert Pinkham Ryder, Cleveland Museum of Art
    8

    Cleveland Museum of ArtOil on canvas70.5 × 90 cm

    The artwork's muted earthy tones —browns, greens, and yellows—are contrasted by the dramatic blues and grays of the sky, creating a sense of tension and mystery.

    Spotdramatic sky with hints of lightinclusion of a snakedynamic composition

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  9. Schreitende by Gustav Klimt, Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz
    9

    Lentos Kunstmuseum LinzRed pencil on paper56 × 37 cm

    The composition is strikingly simple – a full-length depiction of a woman facing forward with arms relaxed at her sides, set against an unadorned background. Executed in red pencil on cream-colored paper, “Schreitende” exemplifies Klimt’s gestural approach to sketching.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  10. Kiss by Edvard Munch, 1906, The Munch Museum
    10

    Edvard MunchSymbolism

    Kiss

    The Munch Museum, Oslo1906Oil100 × 70 cm

    The museum itself has been a guardian of these works since it was established in 1963. The artist's brush often traces the jagged lines of existential dread, most notably in the piercing terror of The Scream from 1893.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  11. Avatar by Henry John Lintott, 1916, Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture
    11

    Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, Edinburgh1916Oil on canvas102 × 128 cm

    The brushwork is loose and evocative, creating a textured surface where light does not strike objects so much as it permeates them. The way the three women work in concert to carry their mysterious burden symbolizes the strength found in solidarity—the idea that even the most daunting journeys through life's shadows are made possible through cooperation. This tension between the lightness of the angelic figures and the gravity of their task creates an emotional resonance that is both melancholic and deeply inspiring.

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  12. La siesta by Julio Romero de Torres
    12

    Painting

    The composition is enriched by a lush, vibrant backdrop where flowers bloom in a delicate dance of color, adding a layer of organic beauty to the architectural stillness of the porch. Technically, La siesta is a masterclass in the use of warmth and light.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  13. Lucifer by Franz von Stuck, 1890, National Gallery of Bulgaria
    13

    National Gallery of Bulgaria, Sofia1890Oil on canvas

    In 1890, Franz von Stuck rendered Lucifer as an oil on canvas, a work that anchors his "dark monumental" period. The display explored the development of German symbolism between 1870 and 1920.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  14. Mother with Children by Gustav Klimt, 1910
    14

    1910Oil on canvas

    The flattened perspective and emphasis on decorative patterns reflect Klimt’s engagement with both Japanese art —particularly ukiyo-e woodblock prints—and the broader aesthetic principles of the Vienna Secession movement. A master of the Symbolist movement and a key figure in the Vienna Secession.

    Hand-painted from $225 Canvas from $42

  15. Self-portrait with Death Playing the Violin by Arnold Böcklin, 1872, Alte Nationalgalerie
    15

    Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin1872Oil on canvas75 × 61 cm

    Behind him, a skeletal figure emerges from the shadows, its bony fingers dancing across the strings. The man’s gaze meets the skeleton, creating a tension that vibrates through the very air. Every element in this composition whispers of the fleeting nature of existence.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  16. Girl with Death Mask by Frida Kahlo, 1938, Nagoya City Art Museum
    16

    Frida KahloSurrealist Symbolism

    Girl with Death Mask

    Nagoya City Art Museum1938Painting15 × 11 cm

    It’s a direct reference to Kahlo's own experiences with pain and death, particularly following her devastating bus accident in 1925. Painted in 1938, during a period of relative stability following her accident, “Girl with Death Mask” reflects a shift in Kahlo’s artistic focus.

    Spotskull maskflower

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  17. Phaeton by Gustave Moreau, 1878, The Louvre
    17

    The Louvre, Paris1878Oil on canvas

    The painting depicts the climactic moment from Greek mythology where Phaeton, son of the sun god Helios, attempts to drive his father’s chariot across the sky. The painting is characterized by rich colors, elaborate ornamentation, and a dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro).

    Spotdramatic compositionchiaroscuro effectsallegorical narrative

    Hand-painted from $200 Canvas from $42

  18. Judgement Day by Viktor Vasnetsov, 1885–1896
    18

    1885–1896Fresco

    Light and shadow dance across the canvas to create a dynamic visual experience. In 1904, he presents The Last Judgement, a work that carries the weight of spiritual reckoning. The artist's brush also moves toward the celestial in Christ Almighty, painted in 1896.

    See this painting

  19. Three Ages of Woman by Gustav Klimt, 1905, Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
    19

    Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome1905Oil on canvas

    Three Ages of Woman is a quintessential example of Klimt's “Golden Phase.” The extensive use of gold leaf, inspired by Byzantine mosaics he encountered during his travels in Italy, imbues the painting with an otherworldly quality.

    Spotgeometric shapesgold leafintricate patterns

    Hand-painted from $200 Canvas from $42

  20. Four Ages in Life by Edvard Munch, 1902, Bergen Kunstmuseum
    20

    Bergen Kunstmuseum1902Oil on canvas130 × 110 cm

    This youthful figure gazes forward, seemingly oblivious to the passage of time or the experiences that lie ahead. The figures are bathed in a diffused light, creating an atmosphere of quiet contemplation rather than dramatic confrontation.

    Spotsymbolismfour figures

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  21. Semmering Landscape by Koloman Moser
    21

    36 × 48 cm

    The sun rising over the mountain tops adds warmth to the scene, while scattered trees provide depth and texture. The presence of two figures in the painting adds a sense of scale and human connection to the otherwise tranquil landscape. The artist's ability to capture the essence of the landscape and infuse it with symbolic meaning makes Semmering Landscape a significant work in his oeuvre.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  22. Interior, Strandgade 30 by Vilhelm Hammershøi, 1909, Tate Gallery
    22

    Tate Gallery, London1909Oil on panel65 × 54 cm

    The painting is a black and white depiction of a woman sitting in a chair next to a window, lost in thought as she gazes outside.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  23. Treasure of the World Chintamani by Nicholas Roerich, 1924, Nicholas Roerich Museum
    23

    Nicholas Roerich Museum, New York City1924Canvas & tempera

    The painting immediately draws the eye into a dramatic vista dominated by towering peaks bathed in twilight hues, conveying an atmosphere of solemn grandeur and hinting at hidden depths. Symbolism – Roerich's approach prioritized conveying spiritual truths rather than literal representation.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  24. Bathing of a Red Horse by Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, 1912, Tretyakov Gallery
    24

    Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow1912Oil on canvas160 × 186 cm

    The composition is famously characterized by Petrov-Vodkin’s unique spherical perspective, a technique that defies traditional linear depth to create a sense of a curved, encompassing world. However, he brilliantly synthesized these ancient traditions with the emerging trends of Futurism and Post-Impressionism.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  25. Moon Light by Edvard Munch, 1893, National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design
    25

    National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo1893Oil on canvas140 × 135 cm

    Long shadows cast by the woman and the house dominate the canvas, creating a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. Munch’s use of color transitions from vibrant blues to warm earth tones, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and charged with potential energy.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  26. Astarte Syriaca by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1878, Manchester Art Gallery
    26

    Manchester Art Gallery1878Oil on canvas106 × 183 cm

    The painting presents a mesmerizing tableau of three women, draped in the flowing elegance of ancient Greek attire, standing beneath a serene sky dappioned with soft clouds.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  27. The Cyclops by Odilon Redon, 1914, Kröller-Müller Museum
    27

    Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1914Oils on board51 × 64 cm

    The myth itself centers on Polyphemus's violent pursuit of Galatea, but Redon subtly subverts this narrative. The Cyclops represents a pivotal moment in this evolution, showcasing Redon's mastery of color and his ability to translate the intangible realms of imagination into tangible form.

    Spotsleeping nymphone large eye

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  28. Sirin and Alkonost The Birds of Joy and Sorrow by Viktor Vasnetsov, 1896
    28

    1896Oil on canvas

    Painted in 1896, this piece captures a specific moment in the artist's exploration of folklore and myth. Perched upon these limbs are two mythical bird-women, figures drawn from the depths of Russian folklore.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  29. The Garden of Death by Hugo Simberg, 1896, Ateneum Art Museum
    29

    Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki1896Oil on canvas17 × 16 cm

    The scene unfolds like a secret, overgrown sanctuary, populated by two skeletal figures who seem more like devoted gardeners than harbingers of doom.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  30. Vampyren by Edvard Munch, 1893, Munch Museum
    30

    Edvard MunchSymbolism/Expressionism

    Vampyren

    Munch Museum, Oslo1893Oil on canvas77.5 × 98.5 cm

    The composition is dominated by their intertwined bodies, creating an immediate sense of closeness and vulnerability. Born in 1863, he witnessed the early deaths of his mother and sister from tuberculosis, and battled a lifelong fear of inherited mental illness.

    Spotdramatic red lightingloose brushworkintertwined bodies

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  31. The Intrigue by James Ensor, 1890, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten
    31

    James EnsorExpressionist Symbolism

    The Intrigue

    Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp1890Oil on canvas90 × 150 cm

    Ensor employs a deliberate, almost monochromatic palette —primarily focusing on black and white —to amplify the dramatic tension inherent within the composition. While the figures engage in lively movement, their hidden emotions and unspoken anxieties are betrayed by the subtle nuances of their expressions.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  32. Famine by John Charles Dollman, 1904, Salford Museum - Art Gallery
    32

    Salford Museum - Art Gallery, Greater Manchester1904Oil122 × 213 cm

    The tension between the physical hunger of the figures and the metaphorical hunger of the spirit creates a haunting duality. The brushwork carries a certain expressive quality, blending a meticulous attention to detail with loose, gestural strokes that convey a sense of immediate movement.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  33. Inferno by Franz von Stuck, 1908, Metropolitan Museum of Art
    33

    Franz von StuckGerman Symbolism

    Inferno

    Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1908Oil on canvas129 × 210 cm

    The figures themselves are rendered in a deliberately stylized manner, their poses exaggerated and distorted to amplify the drama and psychological impact. Dynamic and chaotic, guiding the viewer through a landscape of torment.

    Spotdissonant colorsstylized poses

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  34. Hope II by Gustav Klimt, MOMA
    34

    MOMA, New YorkOil on canvas

    ' Hope II ' is one of the most famous works by Gustav Klimt, created between 1907-1908. ' Hope II ' is a portrait of a woman, adorned with intricate patterns and gold leaf, which was a common feature in Klimt's work during this period.

    Spotgold leafskull motif

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  35. Nocturne: Blue and Gold by James McNeill Whistler, 1872, Tate Gallery
    35

    Tate Gallery, London1872Oil on canvas

    This deliberate manipulation of color and tone aligns perfectly with the tenets of Aestheticism, a movement that championed art’s intrinsic value, independent of moral or narrative content. The figures strolling across the bridge add another layer of interpretation.

    Spotbridgeboatpeople

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  36. Il ritorno al paese natio by Giovanni Segantini, 1895, Alte Nationalgalerie
    36

    Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin1895Oil on canvas161.5 × 299 cm

    The scene captures a group of travelers moving through a mountainous landscape, their progress marked by the steady gait of horses and the presence of carts laden with belongings. A Divisionist technique that creates a vibrating quality in the light.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  37. Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane by Arkhip Kuindzhi, 1901
    37

    1901Oil on canvas

    The work measures 107.5 x 143.5 cms, or 42 ¼ x 56 ¼ ins. Arkhip Kuindzhi approached this piece with a specific focus on the interplay of light and shadow. The composition centers on a solitary figure positioned in the heart of a dense forest.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  38. Melancholy by Jean-Jacques Henner
    38

    Oil painting

    The oil painting titled Melancholy is a portrait created by the French artist Jean-Jacques Henner. The composition focuses on the woman, capturing her from the upper chest upward as she engages with a book.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  39. Children Blanchard by Balthus, 1937
    39

    1937

    See this painting

  40. Frenzy of Exultations by Władysław Podkowiński, 1893, National Museum in Kraków
    40

    National Museum in Kraków, Krakow1893Oil on canvas310 × 275 cm

    Painted in 1893 by Władysław Podkowiński, this oil on linen work emerges as the first true expression of Symbolism within the nation's artistic landscape. This placement follows a significant chapter in its history when Feliks Jasieński acquired the work in 1901 for 1,000 rubles.

    Hand-painted from $200 Canvas from $42

  41. The Sin by Franz von Stuck, 1893, Bavarian State Painting Collections
    41

    Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich1893Oil on canvas94.5 × 59.5 cm

    This specific motif emerged from a previous exploration of subject matter, specifically developing from Stuck's 1889 painting Sensuality (Die Sinnlichkeit). Shortly after its exhibition, the painting was acquired by the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, where it has remained in their collection since 1893. In 1899, while in Vienna, the painting was awarded the state gold medal intended for foreign artists.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  42. Swan Princess by Mikhail Vrubel, 1900, Tretyakov Gallery
    42

    Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow1900Oil on canvas

    The subject matter finds its roots in the folklore of Alexander Pushkin, specifically drawn from the tale The Tale of Tsar Sultan. The figure depicted is inspired by the role of the Swan Princess, a part performed by the artist's wife, Nadezhda Zabela- Vrubel.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  43. The Girl by the Window by Edvard Munch, 1893, Art Institute of Chicago
    43

    Art Institute of Chicago1893Oil on canvas96.5 × 65.4 cm

    To fully appreciate “The Girl by the Window,” it's crucial to understand the context of Edvard Munch’s life. Furthermore, Munch's technique – loose brushstrokes and an emphasis on color rather than precise detail – contributes to the painting’s emotional intensity.

    Spotfigureswindow

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  44. The Annunciation under the Arch with Lilies by Maurice Denis, 1913
    44

    1913Oil, canvas74 × 48 cm

    Lilies appear within the composition, adding a layer of symbolic weight to the encounter. The physical presence of the canvas provides a sturdy foundation for the colors and the symbolic arrangement of the figures.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  45. Philosophie by Gustav Klimt, Belvedere Collection
    45

    Gustav KlimtSymbolism and Art Nouveau

    Philosophie

    Belvedere CollectionOil on canvas

    Gustave Klimt, an Austrian symbolist painter, was a key figure in the Vienna Secession movement. The symbolist painters sought ways for color and line to express ideas rather than merely represent reality.

    Spotpatternsabstract shapes

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  46. The Vision of the Young Bartholomew by Mikhail Nesterov, 1890, Tretyakov Gallery
    46

    Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow1890Oil on canvas211 × 160 cm

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  47. The death peeing by Max Klinger
    47

    Painting

    The transformation of a symbol of terror into a figure of biological reality. The technique emphasizes the weight of the figure and the atmosphere of the setting, using light and shadow to ground the surreal subject in a tangible, almost heavy reality.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  48. Sonia de Klamery (echada) by Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa, 1913
    48

    1913Oil on canvas

    The oil on canvas work titled Sonia de Klamery is a portrait by the Catalan artist Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa. The subject of the painting is Countess Sonia de Klamery, a young Polish aristocrat.

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  49. Little Corporal by Nils Kreuger, 1893
    49

    1893Oil

    Near the bottom right, a dog occupies the periphery, adding a sense of lived-in reality to the composition. It is a study of light, shadow, and the quiet dignity of rural life in motion.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  50. Music by Gustav Klimt, 1895–1905, Bavarian State Painting Collections
    50

    Gustav KlimtSymbolism

    Music

    Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich1895–1905Oil on canvas27.5 × 35.5 cm

    The artwork centers around a solitary female figure poised before a large, intricately decorated golden harp. During this time Klimt also worked on several other allegorical works like Death and Life, demonstrating his fascination with philosophical themes and the human condition.

    Spotstatueroseswoman in dark dress

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  51. A Sea Spell by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1877, Fogg Museum
    51

    Fogg Museum, Cambridge1877Oil on canvas88 × 106 cm

    Rossetti’s technical mastery is most evident in his use of meticulous glazing techniques, layering translucent colors to achieve a soft, glowing light that mimics the elusive beauty of twilight. This painterly approach creates a sense of depth and atmosphere that feels almost tactile, pulling the observer into a visionary landscape.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  52. Youth of Saint Sergiy Radonezhsky by Mikhail Nesterov
    52

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  53. The Wise Judges by James Ensor, 1891, Royal Museums of Fine Arts
    53

    James EnsorExpressionist Symbolism

    The Wise Judges

    Royal Museums of Fine Arts1891Tempera38 × 46 cm

    The painting immediately draws the eye to the figures seated around the table, their faces rendered with childlike simplicity, almost as if they’ve been sketched by a young child themselves.

    Spotchildlike facesempty chairs

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  54. The Isle of the Dead by Max Klinger
    54

    Painting

    In this specific work, titled The Isle of the Dead, he captures a moment that feels suspended in a quiet, heavy stillness. As a leading voice in the Symbolist movement, Klinger focuses his gaze on the unseen.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  55. The Black Sun by Odilon Redon
    55

    Oil

    The artist, born in 1840, moved through the shadows of his early years to find a new language in color. Odilon Redon, who lived until 1916, sought to give form to the intangible.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  56. Flight of Faust and Mephisto by Mikhail Vrubel, 1886
    56

    1886Oil on canvas

    A man rides a horse through the sky, his form caught in a moment of frantic, soaring motion. Beside him, the presence of Mephistopheles looms, a shadow cast against the heavens. A color scheme that favors the intense, saturated hues of jewels.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  57. Christ Almighty by Viktor Vasnetsov, 1896
    57

    1896Oil

    In the painting Christ Almighty by Viktor Vasnetsov, the central figure of Jesus is positioned amidst a celestial landscape. In 1896, Vasnetsov produced a series of paintings that addressed spiritual and historical subject matter.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  58. Orpheus on the Tomb of Euridice by Gustave Moreau, Musée Gustave Moreau
    58

    Musée Gustave Moreau, ParisOil on canvas

    Born in 1826 into a bourgeois family—his father an architect and archivist— Moreau’s early life was steeped in intellectual curiosity and aesthetic sensibility. From a young age, he displayed a remarkable gift for drawing, nurtured through traditional academic training under figures like François-Édouard Picot.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  59. Saint Sergius' labours by Mikhail Nesterov, 1896
    59

    1896Oil

    The artist utilizes a palette that feels deeply rooted in the Russian landscape — earthy tones, deep greens, and the muted light of a forest clearing—to ground the spiritual themes in a tangible, tactile reality.

    Spotgroup of people cutting a tree trunk

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  60. The Lady in Distress by James Ensor, 1882, Musée d'Orsay
    60

    Musée d'Orsay, Paris1882Oil on canvas100.4 × 79.7 cm

    The painting anticipates Ensor’s later, more radical explorations of color and form. The shadowy figures could symbolize unseen anxieties or the presence of grief. Look at early Impressionist paintings for comparisons in technique, particularly the use of light and color to create atmosphere.

    Spotplay of lightshadowmuted color palette

    Hand-painted from $200 Canvas from $42

  61. Portrait of a Lady by Gustav Klimt, 1897, Galleria d'arte moderna Ricci Oddi
    61

    Galleria d'arte moderna Ricci Oddi, Piacenza1897Oil on canvas60 × 55 cm

    The central figure dominates the canvas, her face positioned prominently against a softly textured background reminiscent of verdant foliage. Klimt drew inspiration from Byzantine mosaics and Celtic art, incorporating geometric patterns and stylized representations of nature into his compositions. The Portrait stands alongside other celebrated works of Symbolism like Edvard Munch's The Scream, demonstrating the movement's preoccupation with psychological drama and emotional intensity.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  62. The Military Band on Karl Johan Street by Edvard Munch, 1889, Kunsthaus Zürich
    62

    Kunsthaus Zürich, Zurich1889Oil on canvas

    “The Military Band on Karl Johan Street” is a quintessential example of Symbolist art. Rather than aiming to replicate reality, Munch employed color, composition, and brushwork to communicate an underlying emotional state.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  63. Great rider. Rigden Jyepo by Nicholas Roerich, 1927, Mongolia National Art Gallery
    63

    Mongolia National Art Gallery, Ulaanbaatar1927Oil on canvas

    The central figure, Rigden Jyepo – a Tibetan deity often depicted as a messenger or protector – dominates the composition, riding a magnificent horse that seems to surge upwards through swirling clouds.

    Spotmandorlaclouds

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  64. Descent into Hell by Viktor Vasnetsov, 1904
    64

    1904Oil

    At the center of this swirling darkness, a figure moves with a quiet, divine purpose. The visual narrative relies on several key elements to convey its spiritual weight: The contrast between the luminous, divine figure and the dark, swallowing void of the background.

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  65. Workers Returning Home by Edvard Munch, 1915, Kommunes Kunstsam
    65

    Kommunes Kunstsam1915Oil on canvas

    The lines are often jagged and uneven, mirroring the turmoil within the figures themselves. Understanding “Workers Returning Home” requires considering its historical context. Painted in 1915, during the height of World War I, the painting reflects the widespread anxieties and uncertainties of the era.

    Spotworkersurban scene

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  66. The Pinch of Snuff by Marc Chagall, 1912
    66

    Marc ChagallExpressionist Symbolism

    The Pinch of Snuff

    1912Oil on canvas

    Created during a pivotal period in Chagall’s artistic development, The Pinch of Snuff is inextricably linked to his upbringing in Liozna, Belarus. The small town, with its unique cultural blend of Russian Orthodox and Jewish traditions, served as the wellspring for much of his imagery.

    Spotsmoking manstarsbook

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  67. Rex III by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, 1904
    67

    190474 × 61 cm

    Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

  68. Pskov. Fish market at the foot of the cathedral. by Mstislav Dobuzhinsky, 1923
    68

    192340 × 33 cm

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  69. Self-Portrait by Kazimir Malevich, 1907
    69

    1907Tempera on cardboard69 × 70 cm

    This work, created before his groundbreaking Suprematist period, showcases a blend of Symbolist and early Cubist influences, providing valuable insight into the development of one of modern art’s most revolutionary figures. The "Self-Portrait" exemplifies Malevich's transition away from traditional representational art.

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  70. Circe by Wright Barker, 1889
    70

    Wright BarkerSymbolism

    Circe

    1889Oil on canvas138 × 188 cm

    The artist employs a technique that emphasizes texture and the physical presence of the paint. A color palette rooted in the organic tones of the natural world. The meticulous rendering of light and shadow across the figures.

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  71. Riverbank in Autumn by Maxfield Parrish
    71

    Oil

    The use of oil as a medium lends a specific weight to the scene, providing a texture that makes the natural elements feel tangible. There is a warmth here, a gentle glow that seems to emanate from the interplay of light and the seasonal colors. Rather than relying on harsh contrasts, the work utilizes a palette that reflects the soft, diffused light of an autumn afternoon.

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  72. Love by Gustav Klimt, 1895, Kunstmuseum
    72

    Gustav KlimtSymbolism

    Love

    Kunstmuseum, St. Gallen1895Oil on canvas60 × 44 cm

    Symbolist painting emerged as a reaction against the prevailing naturalism of Impressionism and Realism. Surrounding them are angelic figures, positioned as guardians and witnesses to the couple's union, adding layers of spiritual significance.

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  73. Nocturne in Blue and Gold by James McNeill Whistler, 1872, Tate Gallery
    73

    Tate Gallery, London1872Oil on canvas67 × 49 cm

    This careful manipulation of color is central to Whistler’s aim: to represent not what the eye sees, but what the soul feels in response to light. “Broken color” -thin, translucent layers of paint built up through subtle gradations.

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  74. Rex by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, 1909
    74

    1909Oil painting

    Within the composition, several layers of meaning emerge through specific motifs: The presence of an Eternal Flame burning on an altar. The juxtaposition of a Light Ruler on a throne against a larger, looming Dark Ruler.

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  75. The girl at the desk by Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, 1934
    75

    1934

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  76. Montague Street in London by Vilhelm Hammershøi, 1906, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
    76

    Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen1906Oil on panel57 × 64 cm

    In Montague Street in London, the symbolism lies in the concept of absence; the empty street becomes a canvas for the viewer's own introspection, allowing the mind to wander through the misty, silent corridors of the composition.

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  77. The Two Mothers (Le due Madri) by Giovanni Segantini, 1899
    77

    1899Oil on canvas

    The scene is set upon a sloping hillside, where two women are positioned amidst a rugged terrain of rocks and boulders. This method allows the light to appear as if it is emanating from within the paint itself, rather than simply falling upon it.

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  78. The Seated Demon by Mikhail Vrubel, 1890, Tretyakov Gallery
    78

    Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow1890Oil on canvas

    Vrubel’s technique in this piece is nothing short of revolutionary, marking him as a pioneering figure of Modernist art. Vrubel was deeply influenced by the mystical and the literary, often drawing inspiration from the romantic poetry of Mikhail Lermontov.

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  79. The Dream by Odilon Redon, 1908
    79

    1908

    Odilon Redon's The Dream, created in 1908, is a quintessential representation of the Symbolism movement. This painting, characterized by its dreamlike and often mystical themes, showcases the artist's unique style and composition.

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  80. Nocturne: Blue and Gold by James McNeill Whistler, 1872, Art Institute of Chicago
    80

    Art Institute of Chicago1872Oil on canvas

    The choice of Southampton Water itself holds significance; it was a favorite subject for Whistler, representing a connection to the English countryside and a refuge from the bustle of London.

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  81. Les Argonautes by Gustave Moreau
    81

    Tapestry weaving

    Moreau's style is distinctly Symbolist, a movement that rejected the constraints of Realism and Naturalism in favor of subjective expression and spiritual inquiry. The color palette of Les Argonautes is dominated by earthy tones —browns, ochres, and golds—grounding the mythological scene in a tangible reality while simultaneously evoking a sense of antiquity. Gustave Moreau was a pivotal figure in the Symbolist movement, and Les Argonautes exemplifies his unique artistic vision.

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  82. On the Horizon by Odilon Redon, 1882, Los Angeles County Museum of Art
    82

    Los Angeles County Museum of Art1882Lithography27 × 21 cm

    This lithograph, now housed within the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, exemplifies Redon's mastery of Symbolism – a movement that sought to express ideas and emotions through suggestive imagery rather than direct representation.

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  83. Sadko by Mikhail Vrubel, 1899
    83

    1899

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  84. Wounded Amazon by Franz von Stuck, 1904
    84

    1904Oil paint on canvas65 × 76 cm

    The painting presents a nude female figure, an Amazon, captured in a state of intense distress. The atmosphere of the work is thick with tension, achieved through an unsettling and dynamic composition.

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  85. Nocturne: Blue and Gold - St Mark's, Venice by James McNeill Whistler, 1879, National Gallery of Wales
    85

    National Gallery of Wales, Cardiff1879Oil on canvas

    In 1879, the city was grappling with the pressures of modernization and tourism, yet Whistler’s work captures a moment of serene beauty —a fleeting glimpse of the Venetian spirit before it was irrevocably altered.

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  86. The Three Stages of Woman (Sphinx) by Edvard Munch, 1894
    86

    1894Oil on canvas164 × 250 cm

    Munch, alongside artists like Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon, aimed to unlock inner truths rather than simply mirroring the external world. Created during a period of significant social and artistic upheaval, The Three Stages of Woman (Sphinx) reflects anxieties surrounding gender roles, sexuality, and mortality.

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  87. White horses by Nicholas Roerich, 1925
    87

    1925

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  88. La Barque Mystique by Odilon Redon, 1890
    88

    1890Pastels

    The painting La Barque Mystique emerges from the creative mind of Odilon Redon. Created between 1890 and 95, this work captures a moment of quietude on the water. One finds a similar sense of drifting in The Mysterious Boat 1.

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  89. Galatée by Gustave Moreau
    89

    Oil on canvas

    In the heart of the late 19th century, as the world began to grapple with the cold rationalism of the industrial age, Gustave Moreau offered a sanctuary of shadows and dreams.

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  90. Death of Marat by Edvard Munch, 1907, Munch Museum
    90

    Munch Museum, Oslo1907Oil on canvas153 × 149 cm

    The swirling background, rendered in shades of green and blue, creates an ambiguous space that feels both dreamlike and claustrophobic. Influenced by Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Part of Edvard Munch’s seminal Frieze of Life series.

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  91. The Caress by Fernand Khnopff, 1896, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
    91

    Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels1896Oil on canvas50.5 × 151 cm

    This painting is a quintessential example of Symbolism, a late 19th-century art movement that rejected realism in favor of subjective emotional experience and the exploration of ideas through symbolic imagery. The earthy tones dominate, creating a warm yet mysterious atmosphere, punctuated by subtle blue accents that add depth and visual interest.

    Spotnude figuresanimal companion (cheetah)intimate embrace

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  92. Pallas Athene by Gustav Klimt, 1899
    92

    1899Oil on canvas75 × 75 cm

    Athena, goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and crafts, is presented not as a warrior clad in armor, but as a serene yet powerful figure adorned with opulent ornamentation. The influence of Japanese prints is evident in the asymmetrical composition and emphasis on pattern.

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  93. Adam and Eve(unfinished) by Gustav Klimt, 1917, Belvedere
    93

    Belvedere, Vienna1917Oil on canvas70 × 70 cm

    Gustav Klimt, an Austrian symbolist painter, is renowned for his focus on the female form and his distinct style. His painting, Portrait of a Lady in White, created in 1917, is an unfinished oil painting that showcases his unique technique and artistic vision.

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  94. Portrait of Mada Primavesi by Gustav Klimt, 1912, Metropolitan Museum
    94

    Gustav KlimtSymbolism and Art Nouveau

    Portrait of Mada Primavesi

    Metropolitan Museum1912Oil on canvas

    This creates an atmospheric effect, softening the edges and adding depth to the composition. The interplay of light and shadow is particularly effective, highlighting Mäda’s youthful features and drawing the viewer's eye into the heart of the painting.

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  95. Behold the Celestial Bridegroom by Nikolaos Gyzis, 1895, National Gallery
    95

    National Gallery, Athens1895Oil on canvas200 × 200 cm

    The work, dated 1895, captures a moment of intense spiritual significance. At the center of the composition, a man, identified as Jesus, stands holding a cross. In 1871, he produced News of Victory, a work that responded to the contemporary tensions of the Franco-Prussian War.

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  96. Woman with Lilies in a Greenhouse by Lovis Corinth, 1911, Stadtische Kunstsammlungen
    96

    Stadtische Kunstsammlungen, Gorzów Wielkopolski1911Oil on canvas89 × 63 cm

    The pose itself – relaxed yet subtly vulnerable – is characteristic of Corinth’s stylistic preference for conveying psychological depth through physical posture. The shallow perspective reinforces this feeling, creating an illusionistic space that draws us into the scene’s tranquil atmosphere.

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  97. Woman in Blue by Viktor Elpidiforovich Borisov Musatov
    97

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  98. Portrait of Ioulia Partheni by Konstantinos Parthenis, 1911
    98

    191130 × 25 cm

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  99. Orpheus and Eurydice 1 by George Frederic Watts
    99

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  100. Farewell of Slav by Konstantin Alexeyevich Vasilyev
    100

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Where you can see these famous Symbolism paintings

Planning a trip? Paris has 4 of them, 3 at the Tate Gallery.

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Portrait of Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt

1862–1918 · Austria · 12

Austrian Symbolist known for shimmering gold leaf and intricate, mosaic-like patterns that envelop the female form in a luminous, decorative glow.

1. Death and Life, 9. Schreitende, 14. Mother with Children, 19. Three Ages of Woman, 34. Hope II, 45. Philosophie, 50. Music, 61. Portrait of a Lady, 72. Love, 92. Pallas Athene, 93. Adam and Eve(unfinished), 94. Portrait of Mada Primavesi

Portrait of Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch

1863–1944 · Norway · 9

Norwegian Expressionist of soul painting and rhythmic lines, using distorted forms to capture the tremors of anxiety and existential dread.

10. Kiss, 20. Four Ages in Life, 25. Moon Light, 30. Vampyren, 43. The Girl by the Window, 62. The Military Band on Karl Johan Street, 65. Workers Returning Home, 86. The Three Stages of Woman (Sphinx), 90. Death of Marat

Portrait of Gustave Moreau

Gustave Moreau

1826–1898 · France · 5

French Symbolist of dreamlike mythological scenes rendered with rich textures and gold leaf.

2. The Apparition, 17. Phaeton, 58. Orpheus on the Tomb of Euridice, 81. Les Argonautes, 89. Galatée

Portrait of Odilon Redon

Odilon Redon

1840–1916 · France · 5

French Symbolist known for dreamlike visions, monochromatic noirs, and luminous pastels.

27. The Cyclops, 55. The Black Sun, 79. The Dream, 82. On the Horizon, 88. La Barque Mystique

Portrait of Nicholas Roerich

Nicholas Roerich

1874–1947 · Russia · 4

Russian Symbolist of luminous Himalayan landscapes and spiritual, graphic compositions.

6. Agni Yoga, 23. Treasure of the World Chintamani, 63. Great rider. Rigden Jyepo, 87. White horses

Portrait of Franz von Stuck

Franz von Stuck

1863–1928 · Germany · 4

German Symbolist known for dramatic mythological scenes and psychological depictions of the femme fatale.

13. Lucifer, 33. Inferno, 41. The Sin, 84. Wounded Amazon

Portrait of Viktor Vasnetsov

Viktor Vasnetsov

1848–1926 · Russia · 4

Russian revivalist painter of folklore and mythology, blending realism with fairytale themes.

18. Judgement Day, 28. Sirin and Alkonost The Birds of Joy and Sorrow, 57. Christ Almighty, 64. Descent into Hell

+38more artists behind these favourites Symbolism Artists Meet the painters

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Your questions about Symbolism paintings

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Which cities have the most famous Symbolism paintings?

Start with Paris (4), Oslo (4) and Moscow (4): together they hold 12 of the 100, at the Tate Gallery, the Tretyakov Gallery and the Fogg Museum.

How much is a reproduction of a famous Symbolism painting?

90 of these 100 paintings are available hand-painted in oil, from $175, and 90 as a canvas print, from $42.

Were Symbolism paintings done in oil?

Of the 100 paintings, 72 are in oil, 5 in tempera or tempera and oil, and 1 are frescoes painted on the wall. 3 are on wooden panels and 60 on canvas.

How is this ranking made?

Each painting is ranked by how widely it is known: the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it (Wikidata sitelinks), its place in our catalogue's manual ranking and the visits its page receives. The same painting catalogued several times counts once, and details, copies and studies are left out.

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Death and Life by Gustav KlimtThe Apparition by Gustave MoreauThree Muses by Maurice DenisLa Guerre by Arnold BöcklinThe Wounded Angel by Hugo Simberg

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We looked at all the Symbolism paintings in our collection and put the best-known first: the ones Wikipedia writes about in the most languages, the ones our team rates highest and the ones our visitors open most. Each painting is listed once — no details or copies.

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