Symbolism, as a cultural trend, originated at the end of the 19th century in France, but subsequently acquired a global character, capturing, in particular, Russian painting.
The origin of Russian symbolism
Russian Symbolists first made themselves known in 1904 in Saratov, where the exhibition "Scarlet Rose" was held. The "Scarlet Rose" was also called the group of like-minded people who organized this exhibition then and invited Mikhail Vrubel and Victor Borisov-Muskatov to it as guests. Both of the above-mentioned artists were vivid representatives of Russian symbolism in painting. It is noteworthy that the rose that appears in the name of this group was chosen by its representatives as a symbol of integrity and purity.
The Purpose of Symbolism
Among all the representatives of symbolism who worked in Germany, America, France, Belgium, Norway, Russians are rightfully recognized as the most striking and outstanding. A distinctive feature of symbolism as a pictorial genre is the highlighting of the world, not material, as in realism, but spiritual, ideological. However, this does not mean that these two worlds are opposed to each other in symbolism. On the contrary, Symbolist artists set as their goal to unite these two worlds together, draw an invisible bridge between them, and establish a connection. It is the Russian Symbolists, as many have noted, closer to this goal than anyone else. Despite the fact that realism as a pictorial genre was presented as the antithesis of symbolism, nevertheless, realism and impressionism always went somewhere alongside symbolism. The Symbolists even relied on realism when creating works, and in no case did not deny it.
