I remember the first time I saw a painting that made me cry. It wasn’t loud or flashy — just a simple image of a woman letting go of a bird. But something in it hit me hard. It felt like the painting knew me. It held a truth I had been avoiding.
That’s the power of symbolism art — it reaches deep inside and shows us what words cannot. In this post, we’ll explore the spiritual meaning behind symbolism art examples, how to understand them, and how they can heal, guide, and awaken you on your journey.
Whether you’re an art lover, a beginner, or someone going through emotional change, this guide will help you see beyond the colors and into the soul of art.
Symbolism Art Examples Easy
Let’s start simple. Not all symbolism art is complex or hidden in museums. Some of the most powerful symbolic art is easy to understand and full of emotional meaning.
🎨 Easy Examples:
- A bird flying from a cage – Symbolizes freedom, healing, or leaving behind the past.
- A flower growing through concrete – Stands for hope, strength, or spiritual rebirth.
- A heart with stitches – Speaks of emotional pain, recovery, and forgiveness.
- A candle in darkness – Shows hope during hard times, inner light, or divine guidance.
These are everyday symbolism art examples you might find in journals, posters, or personal drawings. Yet their meaning can feel very personal, depending on where you are in life.
Tip: If you’re drawn to a simple image, ask yourself, “What emotion does this bring out in me?” That’s where the spiritual message lives.
Symbolism Art Drawing
You don’t need to be an artist to connect with symbolism through drawing. In fact, many people use art to express feelings their words can’t reach.
✏️ Common Symbolism Art Drawings:
- Butterfly – Represents change, soul transformation, and new beginnings.
- Tree with roots and branches – Symbolizes growth, connection to ancestors, or spiritual grounding.
- Ocean waves – Reflect deep emotions, surrender, or the ups and downs of healing.
- Moon phases – Speak of cycles, the feminine spirit, or letting go.
When you draw symbols, your soul speaks through your hand. Even scribbles or abstract shapes can hold powerful meaning.
Practice idea: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and draw how you feel today — not what you see. Then reflect on the symbolism of your drawing.
Symbolism Art Examples and Meanings
Let’s explore some well-known symbols used in spiritual art and what they often represent emotionally.
| Symbolism Art Example | Meaning |
| The Phoenix | Rising from hardship, spiritual rebirth |
| Labyrinth or Maze | Inner journey, feeling lost, searching for self |
| Eyes | Truth, spiritual sight, intuition |
| Hands reaching out | Connection, healing relationships, divine support |
| Closed doors | Hidden truth, fear, or spiritual invitation |
These examples often appear in symbolism art paintings, murals, and digital art. When you feel pulled toward one, it might be your spirit trying to show you what you need to face or embrace.
Symbolism Art Movement
The Symbolism art movement began in the late 1800s in Europe, especially in France and Belgium. It wasn’t about painting the outer world — it was about painting the inner one.
🖌️ Core Message of the Movement:
Artists used myths, dreams, religion, and emotion to explore themes of love, death, faith, and the soul. Instead of focusing on logic and reason, they chose to express what could not be seen.
Symbolist artists believed that:
- Art should express emotions and inner truths
- Reality is not just physical — it’s spiritual and mysterious
- Symbols are a doorway to the divine
This movement was a reaction to materialism, inviting viewers to return to the heart and spirit.
Characteristics of Symbolism Art
To recognize symbolism art, look beyond the paint. These are the spiritual fingerprints often found in this style:
✨ Key Traits:
- Mystical or dreamy visuals (like foggy landscapes, glowing lights)
- Use of mythological or spiritual symbols
- Emotional focus — sadness, desire, mystery, or love
- Hidden meanings behind people or objects
- Use of color to express inner feelings (e.g., blue for sadness, red for passion)
Symbolism art doesn’t try to “make sense.” Instead, it tries to make you feel something. That feeling is where your spiritual insight lies.
Famous Symbolism Art
Some of the most well-known symbolism artworks have deeply spiritual themes. They use emotion, symbol, and story to reflect the journey of the soul.
🎨 Top Symbolism Art Examples:
- “The Scream” by Edvard Munch – Symbol of anxiety, spiritual crisis, and the pain of being human
- “The Vision after the Sermon” by Paul Gauguin – Shows a spiritual battle, blending imagination and faith
- “The Death of the Gravedigger” by Carlos Schwabe – Symbolizes death, transition, and afterlife peace
- “Hope” by George Frederic Watts – A blindfolded woman plays a broken harp, symbolizing hope despite pain
These artworks may not be religious, but they are deeply spiritual. They echo themes like loss, love, eternity, and rebirth.
Symbols in Art History
From ancient caves to modern walls, symbols have always been part of human expression. They connect us to something older and deeper than logic.
🕰️ Key Spiritual Symbols in Art History:
- Ankh (Egypt) – Life and eternity
- Circle (Native & Eastern traditions) – Wholeness, spirit, unity
- Cross (Christian art) – Sacrifice, faith, resurrection
- Snake (various cultures) – Healing, transformation, or danger
- Lotus (Buddhist and Hindu art) – Enlightenment, purity, spiritual growth
These symbols show that art has always been a spiritual tool — one that carries wisdom across generations.
Symbolism Art Examples Painting
Want to recognize symbolism art in paintings? Here are some specific artworks and what they spiritually represent:
| Painting | Symbolic Meaning |
| “Island of the Dead” by Böcklin | Journey to the afterlife, peace beyond fear |
| “Orpheus” by Moreau | Power of music, grief, divine inspiration |
| “The Sleeping Roma Person” by Rousseau | Vulnerability, dreams, and spiritual protection |
| “Ophelia” by Millais | Emotional drowning, surrender, beauty in loss |
Each painting becomes a soul conversation. The message it gives depends on where you are emotionally. What touches one heart may feel different to another — and that’s the magic of symbolism.
Real-Life Symbolism Art Scenarios
1. The Broken Mirror Sketch
Sarah, recovering from heartbreak, started drawing a cracked mirror during therapy. Her therapist gently asked what it meant. Sarah realized it showed her belief that she was “damaged.” This simple drawing became the first step in healing her self-image.
2. The Tree in the Dream
Ali kept dreaming of a leafless tree with deep roots. He felt sad every time he woke. After journaling, he saw the tree as a symbol of his family history — broken above, but strong beneath. It helped him start conversations with his parents he had long avoided.
3. The Golden Wings
Mina found a painting online of a girl with golden wings walking through fire. She cried instantly. It mirrored her survival from abuse and reminded her she wasn’t just alive — she had become stronger and more spiritual because of it.
FAQs: Symbolism Art
1. Is symbolism art always spiritual?
Not always, but it often reflects deep inner themes like death, rebirth, emotion, or soul-searching. Many people experience it as spiritually moving.
2. Can I make my own symbolism art without training?
Yes! Spiritual symbolism is about feeling, not skill. Drawing from the heart is powerful, even if it’s simple.
3. What’s the difference between symbolism art and abstract art?
Symbolism uses specific symbols with meaning, while abstract art is more about form and feeling without a clear message. Both can be spiritual.
4. Why do some symbolism paintings make me emotional?
Because they reflect your inner truth. The symbol connects with something your soul remembers or longs for.
5. How can I learn more about symbolism in art?
Study famous artworks, keep a symbol journal, or try dream art (drawing your dreams). Over time, you’ll start recognizing patterns your spirit is showing you.
Conclusion: Let Symbolism Art Speak to You
Symbolism art is more than paint and canvas. It’s a mirror to the soul — one that speaks in colors, shapes, and feelings. When you take time to look deeper, even the simplest image can reveal messages of healing, love, courage, or transformation.
Whether you’re creating it or admiring it, allow symbolism art to guide you back to yourself. Trust the emotions it stirs. Those feelings are your soul’s language, and art is how it speaks.
You don’t have to understand it with your mind — just feel it with your heart.
