The Symbolist Manifesto (Le Manifeste symboliste)

The Symbolist Manifesto, published in 1886 by French poet Jean Moréas, outlined the principles of Symbolism, an artistic movement emphasizing the use of symbols and suggestive language over direct representation. Symbolists believed art should evoke emotions and ideas through imagery, intuition, and metaphor, rather than depicting reality straightforwardly. They sought to express the unseen and spiritual aspects of life, aiming for a deeper, often mysterious meaning. The manifesto marked a reaction against materialism and naturalism, promoting a more personal, poetic approach to art and literature that prioritized imagination and subtlety.