The movement was largely concerned with the idea of “correspondences” - the idea that there were hidden connections between the physical world and the spiritual. This idea was often expressed in terms of a correspondence between physical objects and spiritual ideas, such as a flower being associated with innocence or a storm with passion. This use of symbolism was also often used to explore themes of love, death, and the soul.
The Symbolists’ use of symbolism was directly linked to their interest in mysticism. While not all Symbolists were necessarily mystics, they often drew inspiration from Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. This influence was seen in the use of symbols, as well as in the idea of a spiritual world existing alongside the physical.
The Symbolists also had a strong influence on the visual arts. Many of them were painters, and their use of symbolism was reflected in the works of artists such as Odilon Redon and Gustave Moreau. The Symbolists’ emphasis on the mysterious, the spiritual, and the subjective had a strong influence on the development of Symbolist painting.
The Symbolists’ work has left a lasting legacy on French culture, and the movement continues to be influential today. Their use of symbolism is seen in many aspects of French literature and art, and their influence can also be seen in the works of contemporary artists who have drawn inspiration from Symbolism