Symbolism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily in France. It emphasizes the use of symbols and metaphors to express emotions and ideas, rather than depicting reality directly. Symbolist artists and writers sought to evoke feelings and moods through suggestive imagery, often drawing on dreams, mythology, and the subconscious. Key figures of the Symbolist movement include poets like Charles Baudelaire and Stéphane Mallarmé, as well as painters such as Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon. This movement laid the groundwork for later artistic movements, including Surrealism and Modernism, by prioritizing individual interpretation and emotional depth.