Symbolist Manifesto

The Symbolist Manifesto, written in 1886 by French poet Jean Moréas, outlined a new artistic movement called Symbolism. This movement aimed to express emotions and ideas through symbols rather than direct representation. Symbolists believed that art should evoke feelings and suggest deeper meanings, rather than simply depict reality. They sought to capture the essence of experiences by using imagery and metaphor. This approach marked a departure from realism, influencing poetry, painting, and literature, and paving the way for modernist movements that followed. Symbolism emphasized the importance of individual perception and the mystical qualities of art.