Synthetism was an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily associated with the work of post-Impressionist artists, particularly Émile Bernard and Paul Sérusier. It was a reaction against the naturalism and impressionism that dominated the French art scene at the time. Instead of faithfully reproducing the natural world, synthetism emphasized the synthesis of forms, colors, and symbols to convey meaning, emotion, and spiritual ideas. Artists using this style focused on simplifying shapes and using bold, non-naturalistic colors, often creating flat, two-dimensional forms that drew from sources like Japanese prints and folk art.