Pictorial representation or style; specifically photography in which the aim is to create pictures of aesthetic merit, irrespective of subject matter (also in extended use).
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Pennsylvania School Journal. From pictorial + -ism.
Definition of pictorialism in US English:
pictorialism
nounpɪkˈtɔːrɪəlɪz(ə)m
Pictorial representation or style; specifically photography in which the aim is to create pictures of aesthetic merit, irrespective of subject matter (also in extended use).
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Pennsylvania School Journal. From pictorial + -ism.