What Is Cloisonnism?
Cloisonnism is an art movement, or a type of painting, that became popular in the late 19th century. It involves an ‘en-grisaille’ technique, which is an outline of small compartments, or cells, which are then filled with differently-shaped and colored shapes. This results in an ornamental, decorative-style painting that features recognizable figures, landscapes, and a rainbow of colors.
Cloisonnism was a short-lived art movement that was introduced in Paris in the 1880s. It was heavily influenced by French artist Émile Hermant, and was closely associated with symbolism and symbolism-inspired works. It gained a great deal of popularity in Europe during its time, and for a short time in America.
The unique look associated with Cloisonnism has made it a popular choice for many modern-day art collectors. It remains a prominent part of the art world today, though it no longer boasts the same level of popularity as it once did.
History of Cloisonnism
Cloisonnism first emerged as an art movement in Europe in the late 19th century. It became popular in the art and gallery scenes of Paris during the 1880s, though it spread and gained notable popularity in other areas of the aesthetics market, including design and architecture. It was brought to the attention of the public with the organizing of the 1893 Exhibition of Ancient and Modern Art in Paris.
The founder of the Cloisonnism movement was Émile Hermant, a French artist and sculptor. Hermant is seen as a key figure of the movement, and is widely credited for having developed the unique en-grisaille technique that characterized Cloisonnism artworks. He was inspired by the ancient art of Byzantine mosaics, which he gave an art nouveau twist to create the iconic paintings that defined Cloisonnism.
The Cloisonnism movement was short-lived, only persisting from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It reached a peak of popularity during the 1890s, then faded out of favor as favor for other styles increased.
Elements of Cloisonnism
Cloisonnism is characterized by a number of distinct elements that set it apart from other types of art. The distinct en-grisaille technique is the most recognizable element, and this technique is used in all Cloisonnism artworks. It involves outlining figures, shapes and other features of a painting with small, walled compartments, or cells.
These cells contain different patterns and colors, which are used to fill in the outlined shapes. It is through this technique that the unique look of Cloisonnism is created, influenced heavily by current trends in fashion and art of the era.
In terms of its subject matter, Cloisonnism artworks often feature recognizable figures or landscapes, typically with a backdrop of blue, gold and white. The paintings also combine a wide range of colors, adding to its ornamental visual appeal.
Although Cloisonnism artworks can include any subject matter, they tend to be symbolic, often featuring richly-worked images that depict spiritual and moral themes.
Notable Clissonism Artist
There are several artist associated with the Cloisonnism movement. Prominent French artist Émile Hermant is considered to be the founder of the movement, and is credited with the invention of the en-grisaille technique.
The most prominent Cloisonnism artist, however, is Émile Friant. He is a French painter who specialized in Cloisonnism artwork and has created some of the most iconic pieces from the genre. He was renowned for his imaginative subject matter and ornamental style, often combining a range of colors in his works.
Other noted Cloisonnism artist include René Édouard Fránçois, Denis Auguste Marie Raffet, and Édouard Lanteri.
Legacy of Cloisonnism
The Cloisonnism movement left an indelible mark on the art world. Although it was a short-lived movement, it played a critical role in often inspiring future artistic movements and artists.
Cloisonnism’s en-grisaille technique and ornamental style remain popular today, seen in different artworks across the world. It continues to be favored by art collectors and enthusiasts alike, with many of the original artworks fetching a high price at auction due to their lasting power.
It has also seen a resurgence of sorts in the modern day. Its distinct visual features are often seen in modern illustrations and digital drawings, as well as avant-garde fashion.
Cloisonnism has thus left a lasting legacy on the art world. Its unique technique has retained its iconic status for well over 100 years, and continues to be seen in different works of art today. The modern audience can also find many traces of its influence in fashion and illustration, as well as other aesthetic forms.
