The apogee of the Symbolist Movement in France was run by its self-appointed high priest, Joséphin Péladan. A selection of paintings from its early years to 1894.
Khnopff
In the late 19th century painters turned attention to depicting rainy conditions, with Caillebotte’s closely observed views, and effects on colour.
Formerly a beautiful young woman, she was turned into a monster by Minerva, and painted by Caravaggio, Rubens, Klimt, and others.
Although known for his paintings of nudes, many of his subjects were fully-clothed, and most were powerful women who overcame adversity.
Hardly painted before 1800, there has since been a succession of brilliant paintings of this story. Its focus has changed, from the tension as Oedipus tries to answer the riddle, to the femme fatale.
His style shifted from the academic, to Bastien-Lepage’s naturalism, to a distinctive blend of Impressionism and Symbolism. Some wonderful paintings.
Exploring representations of women, from Amazons to Salome, in a series of thought-provoking images.
He explored new and recurrent themes, including the dark and erotic side of Eve, the Greek sphinx, and made an early painting of movement in dance.
Portraits and more of mysterious beauty and fascination. No quick thrills, but haunting images.