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nabis

Very Rare
UK/ˈnæbɪs/US/ˈnæbɪs/

Formal / Academic (Art History)

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Definition

Meaning

A group of French artists from the late 19th century, part of the Post-Impressionist movement.

Refers to the specific art style and philosophy of this group, characterized by simplified forms, bold colors, and symbolic content, influenced by Gauguin and Japanese prints.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term is a proper noun referring to a historical artistic movement. It is not used in everyday language and is confined to art historical discourse. It is often capitalised (Nabis).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No difference in meaning or usage; it is a technical art history term identical in both varieties.

Connotations

Artistic innovation, symbolism, late 19th-century French culture.

Frequency

Extremely low and identical in both varieties, appearing only in specialised art texts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
The Nabis groupNabis movementNabis artistNabis painterNabis style
medium
influenced by the Nabismember of the Nabiswork of the Nabis
weak
exhibition of the Nabisphilosophy of the Nabislegacy of the Nabis

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The Nabis (subject) + verb (e.g., were, rejected, embraced)artist + associated with the Nabispainting + in the Nabis style

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

Les Nabis (the exact French name)

Neutral

Post-Impressionist groupSymbolist painters

Weak

modern artistsavant-garde group

Vocabulary

Antonyms

Academic artistsRealistsNeoclassicists

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “None”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in art history, fine arts, and cultural studies courses and publications.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Specific to art history and criticism.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

  • The gallery acquired a rare Nabis print for its collection.
  • Her thesis focuses on Nabis colour theory.

American English

  • The museum's new exhibit features several Nabis works.
  • He is an expert on Nabis aesthetics.

Examples

By CEFR Level

B2
  • The Nabis were a group of young French artists in the 1890s.
  • Pierre Bonnard is perhaps the most famous Nabis painter.
C1
  • Rejecting naturalism, the Nabis sought to create art that was more about sensation and decoration, heavily influenced by the synthetism of Paul Gauguin.
  • The Nabis' philosophy extended beyond canvas to graphic design and theatre sets, embodying a total artistic vision.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'NABIS' sounds like 'NABBED' – as if they 'nabbed' new ideas from Gauguin and Japan to create a new art style.

Conceptual Metaphor

ARTISTIC MOVEMENT AS A BROTHERHOOD / PROPHECY (The name 'Nabis' comes from Hebrew for 'prophets').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not confuse with 'набис' (non-existent in Russian). There is no direct equivalent; it is a borrowed term 'Наби' in Russian art history.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a nabis painting'). It should be 'a Nabis painting'.
  • Pronouncing it /'neɪbɪs/. Correct is /'næbɪs/.
  • Confusing it with other movements like Fauvism or Cubism.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Artists like Édouard Vuillard and Maurice Denis were key members of the movement.
Multiple Choice

What does the term 'Nabis' specifically refer to?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It comes from the Hebrew word for 'prophets'. The group saw themselves as prophets of a new, modern art.

Key members included Pierre Bonnard, Édouard Vuillard, Maurice Denis, Paul Sérusier, and Félix Vallotton.

No, it is exclusively a historical term used in the context of art history. You will not encounter it in general conversation or media.

Use it as a proper noun, often as an adjective before words like 'group', 'movement', 'artist', or 'painting'. Example: 'This exhibition explores the influence of the Nabis movement.'