What is Symbolism? Art Movements & Styles?

Symbolism is when artists use pictures or objects to show something else, like a secret message from one thing to another.

Imagine you're drawing a picture of your favorite ice cream cone, but instead of drawing the real ice cream, you draw a smiley face. That smiley face is a symbol for happiness, just like how your ice cream makes you happy!

Symbolism is also an art movement, which means many artists used it around the same time to make their art special.

Think of it like wearing matching socks to school, everyone does it, and it shows they're part of a group. These artists used symbols in their paintings or drawings to show feelings, ideas, or even dreams.

Sometimes, instead of drawing something real, they draw strange shapes or dreamy colors to make you feel something special inside, like how your favorite blanket makes you feel cozy on a cold day.