Paganism 1910

"Paganism" (1910) by Fernand Khnopff (1858-1921) is a compelling example of Symbolism, a late 19th and early 20th-century art movement that emphasized the subjective and evocative over the objective and realistic. The artwork's two panels depict a woman with closed eyes and a reclining nude, both with a dreamy and ethereal quality, suggesting themes of sensuality and spiritual awakening. Khnopff's use of soft pastel hues and delicate lines adds to the artwork's otherworldly charm. The composition, with its focus on the female form, underscores the era's fascination with the feminine mystique. "Paganism" reflects Khnopff's exploration of the human psyche and the power of symbolism.