A group of young French artists known as Les Nabis worked in Paris from 1888 until 1900. Their work was influential during the transition from academic, symbolist and impressionist art to abstract expressionist art. The young artists were also instrumental in the early development of modernism. 

The main purpose of Les Nabis was to make art accessible to all. The artists worked with natural elements and used metaphors to create beautiful paintings. The movement was less clearly defined than other avant-garde movements. Often using textured surfaces, they sought to remove the distinction between easel painting and decorative art. Ultimately, their style was about breaking down the boundaries between aesthetics and the everyday. In this way, they continued to make work that appealed to the eye while focusing on literary theory and mysticism.

The Nabis were influential in the late 1880s. Their early works reflected the ideas and values of the modern era. They were progressive and reformist in nature and rejected the materialism of the new industrial age. Their religious themes were also inspired by Old Masters, such as Mondrian and Goya. They sought to express their ideas in new ways, so they started experimenting with other disciplines such as photography and sculpture. They even started exhibiting their works at galleries.