What is cloissonism?

Cloisonnism is a style of post-Impressionist painting developed in the late 19th century by French artist Émile Bernard. The name is derived from the French term cloison, meaning "partition" or "compartment," and refers to the technique of using bold outlines and flat, bright areas of color, separated by black lines.

Cloisonnist artists sought to create a new form of art that emphasized the flatness of the picture plane and rejected realistic representation in favor of abstract shapes and color. They were influenced by the decorative arts of medieval Europe, particularly by the enamelwork of the Byzantine Empire and the Celts.

One of the most famous examples of this style is Bernard's painting Breton Women in the Meadow (1888), which features flat areas of bold color separated by black lines, creating a sense of stylized pattern and design. Other notable cloisonnist artists include Paul Gauguin, who adopted the style during his time in Brittany, and Louis Anquetin, who combined cloisonnist techniques with elements of Japanese woodblock prints.

Although cloisonnism was short-lived, its influence can be seen in the work of many later artists, including the Fauves and the Expressionists.