Synthetism is an art movement that developed in France in the late 19th century as part of Post-Impressionism. It is closely associated with artists like Paul Gauguin and Émile Bernard and is characterized by a focus on simplified forms, stark outlines, and vibrant, non-naturalistic colors. The term itself was first used by Gauguin in 1888 to describe the technique employed in his groundbreaking paintings, which synthesized or combined the outward appearance of natural forms, the artist's feelings about the subject, and aesthetic considerations of color and line.

Synthetism sought to transcend the representational and to distill the essence of the subject matter, often leading to a departure from realistic depiction. It was less concerned with direct observation of the natural world and more focused on the expression of an inner experience. Gauguin's quest for a more profound spiritual and emotional engagement with his subject matter took him to Brittany and later to Tahiti, where he felt he could escape the artificiality and materialism of urban European life.

The Synthetist style was also influenced by the Symbolist movement, as both sought a more spiritual and symbolic approach to art. The Synthetists were keen on portraying evocative and suggestive content that hinted at a deeper reality. This was achieved through the use of bold and often unnatural colors, strong outlines, and flattened perspectives. Gauguin's "The Yellow Christ" and "Vision After the Sermon" are seminal works of Synthetism, showcasing the use of color and form to express emotion and spirituality beyond the mere physical appearance of the subject.

While not as widely recognized as a distinct movement like Impressionism or Cubism, Synthetism's impact on the direction of modern art was significant. It paved the way for further abstraction in the 20th century and influenced movements such as Fauvism and Expressionism. Synthetism's legacy is that it expanded the boundaries of how artists represent reality and emotion, emphasizing the importance of the artist's personal vision and the power of color and form to communicate the intangible.