Synthetism and Cloisonnism: the essence of Post-Impressionism

This article explores Synthetism and Cloisonnism, two major movements of Post-Impressionism that redefined the rules of pictorial representation at the end of the 19th century.

Synthetism and cloisonnism found their major figures in Paul Gauguin, Émile Bernard and Louis Anquetin radically new approach to painting in the late 1880s.

Paul Gauguin , the leader of the movement, sought to surpass Impressionism by favoring flat areas of color outlined with strong contours, influenced by Japanese art and medieval stained glass. His refined and symbolic style reached its peak during his time in Pont-Aven and later in Tahiti, where he created dreamlike and vibrant compositions.

Alongside him, Émile Bernard was one of the theorists of cloisonnism, advocating a simplification of forms and a direct expression of emotions through color. His works, such as The Pardon of Pont-Aven , illustrate this quest for a painting stripped of the superfluous.

Finally, Louis Anquetin , another pioneer of the movement, applied these principles to urban and modern scenes, bringing unprecedented chromatic intensity and graphic power. His influence on Toulouse-Lautrec and the Nabis testifies to the importance of cloisonnism in the evolution of modern art.

These artists, by reinventing painting through outlined forms and vibrant colors, paved the way for the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, from Art Nouveau to Fauvism.

We will begin by exploring the origins and principles of these styles, before delving into the central role of Paul Gauguin and artists such as Émile Bernard and Louis Anquetin. We will also analyze emblematic works and the influence of these movements on modern art.

Impressionist painting depicting a rural landscape near Arles with a haystack in the center, red-roofed buildings in the background, and dark cypress trees under a cloudy sky.
Paul Gauguin, Landscape near Arles, 1888. Oil on canvas, housed in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg. This work testifies to the influence of Van Gogh on Gauguin during their shared stay in Provence, with warm colors and simplified forms characteristic of Synthetism.

Origins and principles of synthetism and cloisonnism

Synthetism and Cloisonnism emerged in the 1880s as a reaction to the perceived limitations of Impressionism. While Impressionism focused on the fleeting effects of light, these Post-Impressionist movements sought to go beyond direct observation to express deeper ideas, emotions, and symbolism.

Synthetism, a term popularized by Paul Gauguin, advocates the idea that art should synthesize three elements: outward appearance, the artist's emotions, and purely decorative aesthetic forms. It rejects naturalism and realistic perspective in favor of stylized compositions.

Cloisonnism, often considered a branch of Synthetism, emphasizes flat areas of color, delimited by dark outlines reminiscent of medieval stained glass or Japanese prints. This technique lends a graphic and evocative dimension to the works.

Paul Gauguin: Pioneer and visionary of Synthetism

Paul Gauguin drew inspiration from primitive art and exotic cultures to create works that explored spiritual and symbolic themes. His travels to Polynesia had a major influence on his work, as evidenced by his famous painting "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?".

Paul Gauguin is one of the central figures of Synthetism and Cloisonnism. After leaving Paris and the hustle and bustle of modern life, he settled in Pont-Aven, Brittany, where he found inspiration in the rustic landscapes and local culture. His iconic painting "Vision After the Sermon" (1888) perfectly embodies Synthetism: the biblical scene is stylized with vivid colors and simplified forms, while the strong outlines enhance the visual impact.

Gauguin also served as a mentor to other artists, encouraging a more symbolic and intuitive approach to painting. His influence extends far beyond Pont-Aven, particularly through his exploration of non-Western cultures, which enriched his visual vocabulary.

Émile Bernard and Louis Anquetin: The artisans of cloisonnism

Émile Bernard , a young painter and theorist, played a decisive role in defining cloisonnism. His painting "Harvest of Buckwheat" (1888) perfectly illustrates this technique, with boldly simplified areas of color surrounded by dark lines. Bernard believed that this approach revealed the spiritual and symbolic essence of a scene.

Louis Anquetin , another pioneer of cloisonnism, developed a similar aesthetic, influenced by stained glass and popular posters. His works, such as "Avenue de Clichy ," combine vibrant colors and a decidedly modern composition, foreshadowing the innovations of Fauvism and decorative art.

A post-impressionist painting depicting peasants in traditional Breton dress harvesting buckwheat. The figures are stylized with black outlines and warm colors dominated by red and ochre.
Émile Bernard, Buckwheat Harvest, 1888. Oil on canvas, held at the Musée d'Orsay, Paris. This work illustrates cloisonnism, a post-impressionist style developed by Bernard and Gauguin, characterized by flat areas of bright colors, marked outlines and a simplification of forms inspired by Japanese prints.

The emblematic works of Synthetism and Cloisonnism

Numerous key works illustrate Synthetism and Cloisonnism, each highlighting different aspects of these movements. "Vision After the Sermon," with its dramatic use of red, transforms an everyday scene into a mystical vision. "Breton Women at the Pardon," meanwhile, captures the spirituality and communal life of Brittany with a harmonious and evocative composition.

These works stand out for their rejection of naturalism in favor of an amplified reality, where emotions and ideas take precedence over visual appearance.

The influence on modern art

Synthetism and Cloisonnism exerted a profound influence on 20th-century artistic movements. Their emphasis on simplified forms and bold color inspired Fauvism, embodied by artists like Henri Matisse. Similarly, their graphic approach influenced decorative styles, notably Art Nouveau.

Their rejection of realism and their exploration of symbolism also paved the way for movements like Cubism and Expressionism, reaffirming the importance of intuition and subjectivity in art.

Pastel drawing depicting a bird's-eye view of steam locomotives under the Pont de l'Europe in Paris, with dense plumes of white smoke contrasting with the dark metal structures and a lively scene in the background on the bridge.
Louis Anquetin, The Pont de l'Europe, 1889. Pastel on paper, held at the Musée d'Orsay, Paris. This work illustrates industrial modernity with a bold perspective and a smoky atmosphere, capturing the dynamism of the Parisian railway network beneath the metal bridge.

Synthetism and Cloisonnism represent crucial stages in the evolution of modern art. By reinterpreting the codes of painting to express ideas and emotions beyond direct observation, these movements revolutionized the way art was conceived. Artists like Paul Gauguin, Émile Bernard, and Louis Anquetin laid the foundations for numerous artistic innovations, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate viewers today.

Explore the different currents of post-impressionism: