Early modern figurative art refers to the period roughly spanning from the late 19th to the early 20th century, characterized by a departure from the academic traditions of realism and a movement towards more subjective, emotive, and experimental representations of the human figure. This period witnessed significant artistic revolutions and innovations that laid the groundwork for the diverse range of artistic expressions seen in the 20th century.
One of the key movements of early modern figurative art was Symbolism, which emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the industrialisation of society. Symbolist artists such as Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon explored themes of spirituality, dreams, and the subconscious through highly imaginative and symbolic representations of the human form. Their works often featured enigmatic figures, fantastical creatures, and mystical landscapes imbued with allegorical meaning.
Another important precursor to modern figurative art was the Post-Impressionist movement, which sought to move beyond the optical realism of Impressionism towards more personal and expressive interpretations of reality. Artists like Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh infused their figurative works with bold colors, distorted forms, and expressive brushwork to convey subjective emotions and psychological states.
In parallel, the Fauvist movement emerged in the early 20th century, characterised by its use of vivid colors and simplified forms to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Artists such as Henri Matisse and André Derain depicted the human figure in a manner that emphasised the expressive potential of colour and form, rather than strict adherence to naturalistic representation.
Closely associated with Fauvism was the German Expressionist movement, which sought to convey the inner experiences and emotional intensity of the human condition through distorted forms and heightened colours. Artists like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Emil Nolde depicted the human figure in a raw and emotive manner, often exploring themes of alienation, anxiety, and societal upheaval.
