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Cloisonnism was a movement within Post-Impressionism that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily associated with the French painter Émile Bernard. The term “cloisonnism” is derived from the French word “cloison,” meaning compartment, and refers to the use of bold, outlined forms resembling the technique used in cloisonné enamelwork.
Cloisonnist paintings are characterized by their bold outlines and flat areas of vibrant color, often applied in a manner reminiscent of stained glass windows. Artists working in this style sought to simplify forms into their essential shapes and colors, creating compositions that emphasized decorative pattern and rhythm.
Like many Post-Impressionist movements, Cloisonnism was influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, particularly the ukiyo-e style. Artists such as Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin were drawn to the flattened perspective, bold outlines, and decorative qualities of Japanese prints, which they incorporated into their own works. This influence can be seen in the simplified forms and bold outlines characteristic of Cloisonnist paintings.
Émile Bernard was one of the leading figures associated with Cloisonnism, developing the style in the late 1880s in response to the work of Paul Gauguin and the Pont-Aven School. Bernard’s paintings, such as “Breton Women in the Meadow” and “Harvest in Brittany,” exemplify the Cloisonnist aesthetic with their bold outlines, simplified forms, and vibrant colors.
Cloisonnism had a relatively short-lived impact within the broader Post-Impressionist movement, but it played a significant role in the development of modern art. The emphasis on bold outlines, flat areas of color, and decorative patterning foreshadowed later movements such as Fauvism and Art Nouveau. Cloisonnist artists paved the way for new modes of artistic expression that prioritized emotional intensity, subjective interpretation, and decorative design. Though the movement itself may have been brief, its influence can be seen in the work of subsequent generations of artists who sought to break free from traditional modes of representation and explore new realms of visual expression.