How did Synthetism differ from Impressionism?

Synthetism, a method developed by Paul Gauguin and others, emerged as a reaction against the perceived limitations of Impressionism. While Impressionists focused on the objective, en plein air recording of light and weather effects using short, broken brushstrokes, Synthetists sought to move beyond this "superficial" preoccupation with nature.123

Key differences include:

• Methodology: Impressionists worked directly from nature to capture fleeting visual effects. In contrast, Synthetists relied more on memory and imagination to synthesize form with the artist's internal ideas or feelings.123
• Visual Style: Impressionism utilized visible brushwork and light effects to render scenes. Synthetism emphasized two-dimensional, flat patterns, bold color planes, and strong lines, often rejecting traditional modeling or perspective.13
• Composition: Gauguin felt Impressionism neglected thought and structure. He developed a decorative style that fused different levels of reality—such as the everyday and the dream world—into a single, unified visual experience.3

Ultimately, while Synthetists adopted the Impressionist freedom from traditional subject matter, they rejected its objective recording of nature in favor of more symbolic, expressive compositions.32