The Symbolist names to know
If you remember one Symbolist painter, make it Gustave Moreau (1826–1898), the name behind Salome Dancing before Herod and Jupiter and Semele. After that come Odilon Redon, Arnold Böcklin, Balthus and Ferdinand Hodler. Our 47 picks go from George Frederic Watts (born 1817) to Konstantin Alexeyevich Vasilyev (born 1942), from 20 countries.
How we picked them. We list the artists our catalogue links to Symbolist, from the most famous down. Artists born after 1955 that we cannot yet check on Wikidata are left out. The Wikipedia number shows in how many of our 32 languages Wikipedia writes about them.
Quick facts
Meet them one by one
1of 47
French From Paris Symbolism On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
His mother, Adèle-Pauline Desmoutier, was a musician, and her influence added a rhythmic sensibility to the family's atmosphere. He eventually entered the École des Beaux-Arts, where he underwent rigorous academic training.
See them at To experience his art in the most intimate way, one can visit the Musée Gustave Moreau in Paris, France.
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From Bordeaux On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
His mother, Marie Guérin, was a French Creole from Île Bourbon, and it was from her name that he eventually acquired his chosen moniker.
See them at In Paris, the Musée d'Orsay holds several of his works, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his vision.
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Swiss From Basel Symbolism On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
Born on October 16, 1827, to Christian Frederick Böcklin and Ursula Lippe, the young man would eventually move beyond the silk trade of his father to the rigorous halls of the Düsseldorf Academy. The movement from the academic discipline of Düsseldorf to the light of Paris and the ancient weight of Rome marks a fundamental shift in his vision.
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French-Polish From Paris Classical, Figurative On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Born in Paris on February 29, 1908, into a family steeped in intellectual and artistic circles, his life was marked by an early immersion in culture and a deliberate rejection of prevailing artistic trends. He absorbed influences from diverse sources—pre- Renaissance Italian painters like Piero della Francesca and Simone Martini, as well as literary figures such as Emily Brontë and Lewis Carroll—creating a unique artistic language that defied easy categorization.
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Swiss From Bern Symbolism, Parallelism, Realism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Born in Bern, Switzerland, in 1853, Ferdinand Hodler’s early years were defined by a quiet, persistent grief. His move to Geneva in 1871 marked a departure from the commercial demands of his youth. In works such as The Night, completed in 1890, he explored themes of repose and mortality through recumbent figures, a subject that challenged the prevailing tastes of the time.
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French From Lyon Symbolism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
Pierre Cécile Puvis de Chavannes, a name often simply rendered as Puvis de Chavannes, occupies a unique and pivotal position in 19th-century French art. Born into a family of modest means – his father an engineer descended from Burgundy nobility – he received an education at Amiens College and Lycée Henri IV in Paris, preparing him for a career following in his father’s footsteps.
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German From Leipzig Symbolism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Max Klinger, born in Leipzig in 1857, emerged as a pivotal figure bridging the gap between Realism and the burgeoning world of Symbolism. Klinger's early training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe, under Karl Gussow, provided him with a solid foundation in traditional techniques, yet it was his fascination with the etchings of artists like Menzel and Goya that truly ignited his imagination.
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Russian From Saint Petersburg Symbolism, Modernism On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
His lineage combined a Baltic German father with a Russian mother, a background that provided a specific intellectual and cultural framework for his later pursuits. Petersburg University and the Imperial Academy of Arts.
See them at In the United States, the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City remains a primary destination.
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German From Tettenweis Symbolism, Art Nouveau On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Franz Ritter von Stuck, a name synonymous with the evocative power of German Symbolism, emerged from the rural landscapes of Bavaria in 1863 to become one of the most influential artists of his generation.
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Lithuanian From Varėna Symbolism On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
mikalojus konstantinas ciurlionis, a renowned lithuanian artist, was born in 1875. his life's work would later be characterized by an enchanting blend of mysticism, symbolism, and the beauty of nature. ciurlionis' early education took place in the town of vilno, where his fascination with art and music first began to take shape.
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Russian From Omsk Symbolism, Art Nouveau On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Mikhail Aleksandrovich Vrubel was born in Omsk, Russia. Petersburg University in 1880, his focus remained on the canvas. He entered the Imperial Academy of Arts to study under Pavel Chistyakov, where he began to develop a style that felt different from the traditional realism of his peers.
12of 47
Danish From Copenhagen Symbolism art On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
To stand before a painting by Vilhelm Hammershøi is to step across a threshold into a realm suspended between memory and dream. His early life was rooted in the cultural milieu of late 19th-century Copenhagen, a period ripe with artistic ferment. The technical brilliance underpinning Hammershøi’s seemingly simple scenes is nothing short of masterful.
13of 47
British From London Symbolist movement On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
George Frederic Watts entered the world in Marylebone, London, on February 23, 1817. His early years were shaped by the quiet industry of his father, a piano-maker, and the heavy shadow cast by the death of his mother when he was still young.
See them at The influence of his vision lingered long after his passing, earning him the Order of Merit in 1902.
14of 47
Dutch From Purworejo Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Pointillism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Born in 1858 in Purworejo, on the lush island of Java in the Dutch East Indies, his early years were steeped in the vibrant cultural textures of Indonesia. As a child, he moved from the island of Bangka to the bustling streets of Batavia, before eventually embarking on a transformative journey to the Netherlands in 1869.
15of 47
Polish From Radom Symbolism On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
This unique synthesis is readily apparent in his early works, which gradually evolved from historical narratives influenced by Jan Matejko —whose dramatic style and exploration of Polish history left an indelible mark—to more complex symbolic compositions.
16of 47
Russian From Khvalynsk Post-Impressionism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Born in 1878 in Khvalynsk, a small provincial town on the Volga River, Petrov-Vodkin's artistic journey began not within the hallowed halls of academies but amidst the vibrant, deeply spiritual world of Russian icon painting and local signmakers. His formal training commenced at the Baron Stieglitz School in Saint Petersburg between 1895 and 1897, providing a foundation upon which he would build a style utterly his own.
17of 47
Italian From Arco Symbolism, Divisionism On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
His father was a traveling tradesman, leaving his mother to raise him largely alone. Early Career: He initially worked as a photographer's assistant before pursuing painting seriously.
18of 47
Russian From Ufa Symbolism, Religious art On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov, born on May 31st, 1862, in Ufa, Russia, was not merely a painter but a visual poet of the Russian soul. This early encouragement led him to Moscow in 1874, enrolling at the Voskresensky Realschule—a pivotal step that set him on the path toward becoming one of Russia's most significant Symbolist painters.
19of 47
Belgian From Namur Symbolism, Decadence On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
Félicien Victor Joseph Rops, born in 1833 in the Belgian town of Namur, emerged as a pivotal figure bridging the gap between Realism, Symbolism, and the burgeoning world of modern graphic storytelling. This connection culminated in Rops creating the frontispiece for Baudelaire’s Les Épaves, a collection of poems censored from the infamous Les Fleurs du Mal.
20of 47
Finnish From Hamina Symbolism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
hugo gerhard simberg, a renowned finnish symbolist painter and graphic artist, was born on june 24, 1873, in hamina, finland. his artistic journey began at the drawing school of the viipuri friends of art in 1891, where he honed his skills under the guidance of various instructors.
21of 47
Spanish From Córdoba Symbolism, Impressionism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Julio Romero de Torres, born in the heart of Córdoba, Spain, in 1874, was more than simply a painter; he was a visual poet who captured the very soul of Andalusia. Coming from a family deeply rooted in artistry—his father, Rafael Romero Barros, being a celebrated realist painter and founder of Córdoba’s Museum of Fine Arts—Julio's path seemed almost predetermined.
22of 47
Belgian From Dendermonde Symbolism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Fernand Edmond Jean Marie Khnopff (1858-1921) stands as a singular figure in Belgian art, a master of Symbolism who crafted intensely personal and often unsettling visions. His early years were marked by trips to Paris, immersing himself in the works of Delacroix, Ingres, and Millais, laying the groundwork for his distinctive style – a haunting synthesis of realism and ethereal dreamscapes.
23of 47
French From Gournay-sur-Marne French Symbolist On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
His early years are spent in Strasbourg, where the foundations of his technical skill are laid. This decision leads him to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
24of 47
Polish From Kraków Polish Symbolism, Young Poland On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Stanisław Wyspiański was not merely a painter; he was a polymath, a visionary whose creative spirit breathed life into the Young Poland movement. Born in 1869, his short but incandescent life was a whirlwind of artistic exploration that bridged the gap between the delicate aesthetics of Art Nouveau and the profound, often turbulent, depths of Polish Symbolism.
25of 47
American From New York City Symbolism, Romanticism On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
Born: February 26, 1836, New York City, United States. Italian Influence: His time in Italy fostered a deep emotional connection with fellow painter Giovanni Costa, leading to travels before financial constraints forced his return to America.
26of 47
Finnish From Hamina Symbolism On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
Born in the coastal town of Hamina in 1870, Knut Magnus Enckell was destined to become a cornerstone of the Finnish Golden Age. After initial studies in Helsinki under the guidance of Gunnar Berndtson, Enckell sought the rigorous training of the Académie Julian, where the influence of masters like Jules-Joseph Lefebvre and Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant began to shape his artistic eye.
27of 47
From Saint Petersburg On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Konstantin Andreyevich Somov, a prominent figure in Russian art, was born on November 30, 1869, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His father, Andrey Ivanovich Somov, served as a distinguished art historian and curator at the renowned Hermitage Museum.
28of 47
American From Cincinnati Symbolism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
Born in Cincinnati in 1857 to Samuel Napthali Pike, a cultural patron who owned Pike’s Opera House, and Ellen Pike, she was immersed in an environment that fostered appreciation for the arts from a young age. Initially destined for a conventional life, a broken engagement to explorer Henry Morton Stanley paved the way for marriage to Albert Clifford Barney.
29of 47
Born: 1870 in Saratov, Russia (later adding “Borisov” to his name). Health issues forced a return to Moscow School in 1893.
30of 47
Austrian From Zagreb Decadent art
Born in Zagreb in 1866, a city then nestled within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Franz von Bayros emerged as a pivotal figure in the fin-de-siècle art world. From a young age, Bayros demonstrated an aptitude for drawing that led him to Vienna Academy at seventeen, studying under Eduard von Engerth.
31of 47
Swiss From Altona Symbolism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
Carlos Schwabe, born Émile Martin Charles Schwabe in Altona, Germany, in 1866, was a pivotal figure in the late 19th and early 20th-century art world. His journey from his birthplace to Geneva, Switzerland – where he embraced Swiss citizenship – and ultimately to the artistic epicenter of Paris, France, shaped him into one of the most compelling voices of the Symbolist movement.
32of 47
British From Hulme Neoclassicism, Pre-Raphaelitism
Annie Louise Swynnerton, born in the industrial heartland of Hulme, Manchester, in 1844, emerged as a pivotal figure in British art during a period of significant social and artistic change. Swynnerton’s formal artistic education began at the Manchester School of Art in 1871, where she quickly distinguished herself, earning a gold prize and scholarship for her work in oil and watercolor.
33of 47
American From Utica Modernism, Symbolism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Arthur Bowen Davies, born in Utica, New York, in 1862, occupies a uniquely complex position within the narrative of American art. After studies at the Chicago Academy of Design and the Art Students League in New York, he began to forge a path that blended romantic sensibilities with emerging modernist ideals.
34of 47
Peruvian From Lima Symbolism, Modernist
José María Eguren Rodríguez, born in Lima, Peru in 1874, was far more than simply a poet – he embodied a remarkable confluence of artistic talents. He immersed himself in literature, initially drawn to Romantic and Modernist writers like Julio Herrera y Reissig before discovering the allure of European Symbolists – Baudelaire, Verlaine, Mallarmé – and the Aesthetic movement with figures such as Oscar Wilde and Edgar Allan Poe.
35of 47
Russian From Maykop Symbolism
Details surrounding Vasilyev’s early life are scarce, contributing to the aura of mystery that surrounds him. He began his artistic training at the Repin Academy of Art in Leningrad (now St.
36of 47
French From former 4th arrondissement of Paris Symbolism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Alphonse Osbert (1857–1939) stands as a singular figure in the annals of French Symbolist art, an artist whose ethereal landscapes and haunting portraits captured the spirit of his time—a period marked by profound intellectual and spiritual questioning.
37of 47
Russian-Lithuanian From Novgorod Expressionism, Cityscapes
Dobuzhinsky's artistic journey began modestly, attending the Drawing School of the Society for the Promotion of Artists in Novgorod before pursuing law at Saint Petersburg Imperial University while simultaneously studying privately. This dual pursuit reflects a restless intellectual curiosity that would inform his later work.
38of 47
From Saratov Symbolism On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
He enrolled at the Imperial Academy of Arts, studying under Arkhip Kuindzhi, whose mastery of light and atmosphere would leave an indelible mark on the young artist's developing style. The realist traditions that had dominated earlier decades were giving way to new currents of thought, influenced by European movements like Impressionism and Symbolism.
39of 47
From Brussels On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
Léon-Henri-Marie Frédéric (August 26, 1856 – January 27, 1940) was a Belgian Symbolist painter born in Brussels. His father was a prosperous jeweler, providing the means for a solid education.
40of 47
French Symbolist Painter
Born on August 9, 1858, in Béthune, Masclef did not merely observe nature; he sought to interpret its divine architecture. His journey was one of unique dualities, shaped by his early theological studies at Amiens Cathedral and his eventual ordination as an abbé in 1885. The pinnacle of Masclef’s contribution to the visual arts lies in his monumental achievement, the Atlas des Plantes de France.
41of 47
Australian From Melbourne Symbolism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
rupert charles wulsten bunny, an australian painter, was born in st kilda, victoria, in 1864. he received a traditional and academic education in the arts under calderon and laurens. this foundation would later serve him well in his successful career as an expatriate artist in fin-de-siècle paris.
42of 47
French From Frederiksberg Post-Impressionism On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages
43of 47
Ukrainian/Russian From Feodosiia Symbolism On Wikipedia in 7 of 32 languages
Konstantin Fyodorovich Bogaevsky, born in 1872 in the Crimean port city of Feodosia, was an artist whose work exists suspended between reality and reverie. He became associated with several influential artistic groups, including Mir iskusstva (World of Art), the Union of Russian Artists, and Zhar-tsvet, participating in exhibitions that showcased his work alongside other leading artists of the time.
44of 47
Italian From Rome Symbolism, Art Nouveau On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
Through his deep connections with figures such as Nino Costa and the celebrated Gabriele D’Annunzio, Sartorio became a central node in a network of painters and photographers who sought to capture the soul of the Roman countryside and the mysteries of the human condition.
45of 47
French From Cairo Naive Art On Wikipedia in 4 of 32 languages
Henri Emile Rousseau, born in Lyon, France, in 1875, defied the conventions of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism to forge a singular artistic path—one characterized by an uncompromising embrace of Naïve Art. Despite facing considerable skepticism from critics of his time—who dismissed his style as amateurish—Rousseau persevered, establishing himself as one of France's most distinctive painters and securing a place among the pioneers of Modern Art.
46of 47
Polish From Krupliany Symbolism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
kazimierz stabrowski, a renowned polish painter, was born in 1869 in navahroudak, belarus. he went on to study at the academy of fine arts in warsaw, where he later became the director. this pivotal role not only showcased his artistic prowess but also solidified his influence on the next generation of artists.
47of 47
British From Geneva Symbolism & Renaissance influence On Wikipedia in 7 of 32 languages
ricketts began his artistic journey at the city and guilds technical art school in lambeth in 1882, following the demise of both his parents. this marked the inception of his lifelong partnership with charles shannon, a painter and lithographer, who would be his companion in both art and life.
Pictures worth knowing
When it happened
Fun figures
| Russia | 8 |
|---|---|
| France | 6 |
| Switzerland | 3 |
| Germany | 3 |
| Belgium | 3 |
| United States | 3 |
| Denmark | 2 |
| United Kingdom | 2 |
| 1810s | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1820s | 3 |
| 1830s | 2 |
| 1840s | 2 |
| 1850s | 11 |
| 1860s | 13 |
| 1870s | 12 |
| 1880s | 1 |
| 1900s | 1 |
| 1940s | 1 |
Just the names
Gustave MoreauFrench · 1826–1898Odilon Redon1840–1916Arnold BöcklinSwiss · 1827–1901BalthusFrench-Polish · 1908–2001Ferdinand HodlerSwiss · 1853–1918Pierre Puvis de ChavannesFrench · 1824–1898Max KlingerGerman · 1857–1920Nicholas RoerichRussian · 1874–1947Franz von StuckGerman · 1863–1928Mikalojus Konstantinas ČiurlionisLithuanian · 1875–1911Mikhail VrubelRussian · 1856–1910Vilhelm HammershøiDanish · 1864–1916George Frederic WattsBritish · 1817–1904Jan TooropDutch · 1858–1928Jacek MalczewskiPolish · 1854–1929Kuzma Petrov-VodkinRussian · 1878–1939Giovanni SegantiniItalian · 1858–1899Mikhail NesterovRussian · 1862–1942Félicien RopsBelgian · 1833–1898Hugo SimbergFinnish · 1873–1917Julio Romero de TorresSpanish · 1874–1930Fernand KhnopffBelgian · 1858–1921Eugène CarrièreFrench · 1849–1906Stanisław WyspiańskiPolish · 1869–1907Elihu VedderAmerican · 1836–1923Magnus EnckellFinnish · 1870–1925Konstantin Somov1869–1939Alice Pike BarneyAmerican · 1857–1931Viktor Elpidiforovich Borisov Musatov1870–1905Franz von BayrosAustrian · 1866–1924Carlos SchwabeSwiss · 1866–1926Annie Louise SwynnertonBritish · 1880–1933Arthur Bowen DaviesAmerican · 1862–1928José María Eguren RodríguezPeruvian · 1874–1942Konstantin Alexeyevich VasilyevRussian · 1942–1976Alphonse OsbertFrench · 1857–1939Mstislav DobuzhinskyRussian-Lithuanian · 1875–1957Victor Borisov-Musatov1870–1905Léon Frédéric1856–1940Amédée MasclefFrench · 1858–1916Rupert BunnyAustralian · 1864–1947Harald Slott-MøllerFrench · 1864–1937Konstantin BogaevskyUkrainian/Russian · 1872–1943Giulio Aristide SartorioItalian · 1860–1932Henri Emilien RousseauFrench · 1875–1933Kazimierz StabrowskiPolish · 1869–1929Charles RickettsBritish · 1866–1931Good questions
Gustave Moreau (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Odilon Redon (#2) and Arnold Böcklin (#3).
Gustave Moreau (#1), Odilon Redon (#2), Arnold Böcklin (#3), Balthus (#4) and Ferdinand Hodler (#5).
Paris: 2 of the painters in this list were born there.
2 women are in this ranking: Alice Pike Barney (#28) and Annie Louise Swynnerton (#32).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Kröller-Müller Museum (2), Philadelphia Museum of Art (2) and The Phillips Collection (2).
The highest-ranked painters born in Russia are Nicholas Roerich (#8), Mikhail Vrubel (#11), Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin (#16), Mikhail Nesterov (#18) and Konstantin Somov (#27).
“However, the rigid requirements of architectural training did not suit his temperament.” — from our biography of Odilon Redon (#2).
The highest-ranked painters born in France are Gustave Moreau (#1), Odilon Redon (#2), Balthus (#4), Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (#6) and Eugène Carrière (#23).
The earliest-born painter in this list is George Frederic Watts (#13), born in 1817.
Most painters in this list were born in the 1860s (13 of 47), between 1817 and 1942 overall.
Russia: 8 of the 47 painters in this list were born there, then France (6) and Switzerland (3).
Our catalogue holds 9,934 works by these painters. Each one can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print.
Read more
Other styles
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![[Bather in blue suit] by José María Eguren Rodríguez](/media/artworks/images-thumb/12/39/12393416c98ed9302ba884724752340d.jpg)
![[Girl with cat] by José María Eguren Rodríguez](/media/artworks/images-thumb/ee/59/ee59f9cb4dcfa15f7c58cc9f76938187.jpg)
![[Girl on a bycicle seen from behind] by José María Eguren Rodríguez](/media/artworks/images-thumb/70/4a/704a0c865298659f9706427590037d70.jpg)
