The Window

This symbolist work presents the viewer with a view out of a window, across the rooftops of terraced houses. The dominating blue colour palette indicates that it is likely twilight, with this monochrome approach creating a dreamlike atmosphere. There is no clear narrative within this work - instead, the viewer is encouraged to investigate their own emotional approach to the work. The blue palette connotes serenity and peace, but the suffocating darkness of the room that the window looks out from could indicate some notes of discord. 

The almost symmetrical composition is exceedingly interesting, with the painting split by the window pane into four distinct sections. The ruched curtains also provide an internal framing mechanism for the work, encouraging the viewer’s focus to remain on the rooftop view. On the right of the window, the blue colours slowly become lighter and lighter, indicating the presence of a light source - perhaps symbolic of hope - just out of view, and yet still very much present.

Symbolism

Symbolism was a literary and artistic movement that began in France in the 19th century, but soon had followers across Europe. It discarded direct representations in favour of depicting subjects from dreams, spiritualism, mythology and Biblical history in order to suggest ideas and provide an escape from the increasingly hyperindustrial and scientific reality. In terms of other contemporary art movements, Symbolism was a digression away from the objectivity of the subject matters within the movements of Realism and Impressionism. It sought to reflect emotions and ideas instead of the decadence and industrialisation of modern society - for this reason, there was no united aesthetic of Symbolist works, as Symbolist artists subscribed to the same ideology rather than the same artistic style.